Raspberry Pie..?

[happymummy2010]

Can anyone tell me about the Raspberry Pie ?
I'm struggling for ideas for DS (10) and have seen this mentioned on here.. He loves his gadgets and electronics etc
What does this do, is it any good and what sort of ages is it aimed at ?
Many thanks !

It's raspberry pi. Their website is quite informative, and not too intimidating.

It's essentially a very basic computer. No casing or other accompaniments (keyboard etc) and doesn't run windows/IOS etc.

Age wise it depends on your DS. He would have to build a case and program it himself. Does he know how to program? Or is he interested in learning how to?

It isn't something easily used off the shelf but can be a great project for anyone interested in computers.

It would be a bit intimidating for an average ten year oldwithout some adult help. Ds 12 has one to do scratch pprogramming on, it plugs into the TV. He likes. Things like that.

My partner has one of these. It's basically about the same size as a Nintendo DS or similar, but you can get it to do a lot of the functions of a normal PC if you attach a screen, such as internet and running YouTube.

If you attach a small DVD drive, you can get it to run DVDs.

You basically program it yourself, so it would depend how good he is at that kind of thing? It's more programming than electronic/gadget-ty.

Information about scratch

Maybe his school could set up a code club

My DS loves his Pi. Sratch is really good and once they have worked thier way through that they can get started on using python which has an educational programme on it called turtle

Thanks for the info.. I'll think I'll keep this up my sleeve for a Christmas present when he is a bit older. As far as I know he has never done any programming at school yet, so it is probably a bit old for him at the moment.

Totally thought this was a thread about recipes to cook raspberry pies. Disappointing!

My dd2 has one at the age of 7 but only because her dad is a web developer and has been wanting one to play with. She is pretty good at picking up programming but there is no way I would have bought her one any time soon without his input.

Ds was just 8 when he started scratch I think your DS will be fine. You don't need a Raspberry Pi to use scratch it will work on a desk top Pc or laptop.