Raspberry Pi is a remarkable and affordable creativity platform that can accommodate novice and experienced users, it is only complete with several necessary accessories. To unlock its full potential, essential items such as an SD Card, power supply, and a screen are required. These components are essential for the setup and operation of the Raspberry Pi to prove easier. It is now more feasible to purchase a Raspberry Pi in 2023, as they are becoming more widely available and affordable. The Raspberry Pi Zero can be acquired for as little as $5, and the Raspberry Pi 4 1GB for $35 or more. Nevertheless, supplementary products will be necessary to utilize Raspberry Pi’s capabilities fully.
We have conducted an extensive search for the best Raspberry Pi accessories available, and we can confirm that there is an abundance of options to choose from. These accessories serve various purposes, ranging from fundamental requirements like SD Cards to more advanced tools such as GPIO extension boards. Additionally, protective cases can help safeguard the Pi against environmental factors and dust, providing an extra level of functionality.
There is a variety of various accessories that can be used to enhance the utilization of Raspberry Pi’s General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO). These accessories have been available since the Raspberry Pi was first introduced, which only had 26 GPIO pins. With the help of unique add-on boards, the newer Raspberry Pi models with an expanded 40-pin GPIO can interact and control electronic components. This opens up many possibilities for creating projects like robotics, machine learning, IoT, and even building personal home servers.
If you own a Raspberry Pi, purchasing additional equipment may motivate you to embark on a new project, whether you are a new owner or have had one for some time. The array of available accessories for the Raspberry Pi offers options that range from fun to practical, catering to a variety of user needs and preferences.
Like any typical computer, you will require a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to interact with the Raspberry Pi’s interface and input data. However, it is also possible to choose a headless installation for your Raspberry Pi, allowing you to remotely control the device from your PC. This eliminates the need for additional peripherals, allowing for a more streamlined setup.
Micro SD Card
The Raspberry Pi differs from a typical desktop or laptop in that it is not equipped with storage, except for some compute modules that include eMMC storage. Instead, you will need to use a Micro SD Card to install the operating system and store files. Depending on your preferences, you can choose an SD card with a performance rating of A1, A2, or U1.
An SD card offers a minimum capacity of 8 GB to install an operating system on the Raspberry Pi. However, it is advisable to opt for a 32 GB card for more demanding use cases, as the price difference between a 16 GB and a 32 GB card is often insignificant. One recommended option is the SanDisk Ultra Micro SD Card with a minimum storage capacity of 32 GB.
Power Supply
The Raspberry Pi 4 requires a power source that supports at least three amps / 5 volts via a USB-C connection. In contrast, other models of Raspberry Pi require a micro USB connection that offers a minimum of 2.5 amps and 5 volts. The power supply is responsible for powering the Pi and any connected HATs and USB devices. Therefore, selecting power supplies with higher amperage ratings at 5 volts is advisable to ensure sufficient power delivery for your projects, allowing for a margin of safety.
In addition, many accessory and add-on types protect your Pi, add new features and make everything much more valuable and fun.
Touchpad and Keyboard.
If you don’t need a keyboard or mouse very often to use your Raspberry Pi, finding a spare set or digging out a dedicated one from storage can be a hassle. A keyboard and touchpad combo can be a practical solution that meets all your peripheral needs in one compact unit. Virlos offers a range of keyboard and touchpad combos specially designed for the Raspberry Pi, including wired and wireless options, a mini handheld version, and a keyboard hub that provides a similar experience to the Pi 400. The hub has added features such as battery power and cable storage.
USB Monitor
Interacting with your Raspberry Pi operating system by connecting it to a monitor from an existing workstation or TV can sometimes be inconvenient. This may require dealing with numerous cables or losing access to the PC you used for project instructions. A portable monitor can be a great alternative that is both convenient and affordable. There are many options for portable monitors, including versatile travel monitors and compact touchscreen monitors. The official Raspberry Pi Touch Display is a good option if you need touch functionality. When paired with a monitor case, it creates a setup that resembles an all-in-one PC.