Picking hardware

We support a number of different hardware platforms, ranging in power and price to suit your needs. They are ordered here starting with the cheapest through to the most expensive:

• Raspberry Pi Zero 2

• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB

We provide a Raspberry Pi 3 image for those who already have the hardware. We do not recommend buying a Pi 3 however, but to instead buy the Pi 4 due to its improved features at around the same cost, which is why the Pi 3 is not included in this documentation.

While there are lots to distinguish between the hardware, here is an overview of what we deem to be particularly noteworthy:

	Known Issues	Power	Value	Availability	Features	Durability	Wi-Fi	Storage	Approximate cost (before shipping)
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 512MB	Unable to use 5GHz networks	Equivalent to the Raspberry Pi 3. Suitable for those on a budget and looking for a small device.	Incredibly low cost, for those really needing to cut costs	Good distribution, but limited in the quantities you can order at once	Provides the bare minimum needed to run the Block, no USB ports and no Ethernet	Tried and tested, produced by a reliable manufacturer	Built in Wi-Fi, but with no aerial impacts the range	SD Card	$15USD
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB		A powerful system which is a significant step up from the others. Provides a good basis for running multiple applications from the App Store.	A step up may feel worth the splurge, but will begin to add up if buying a large number of units	Good distribution, but limited in the quantities you can order at once	Quad-Core processor, 2GB of RAM (no need to go higher) and a Gigabit Ethernet port means this hardware could be plugged into a school network to handle larger numbers. it does mean a larger form factor that won't fit in your pocket like the others.	Tried and tested, produced by a reliable manufacturer	No aerial, but the newer hardware and technologies provide a good range. Ethernet connectivity will allow for more users.	SD Card	$30USD

You can find places to buy each by clicking on the links above which will take you to the manufacturer's website.

While 512mb of memory is sufficient to run the Learner's Block platform, if you are planning to run several applications or demanding applications it would be better to opt for devices with 1gb of more.