Two models of the Pi currently exist. While the two models are similar, you should review their
different features, listed in Table 1.1, to pick which one is right for you.
TABLE 1.1 Model A Versus Model B Raspberry PiModel B has more features, and it costs only $10 more than Model A. The focus in this book is on
Model B. However, either model will work fine for learning the Python programming language.
By the Way: Delay in Receiving Your Pi?
Demand for the Raspberry Pi has been so great that you might experience a delay in
getting your Pi. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait from two weeks to nearly two
months after purchase!Where can you buy a Raspberry Pi? When the Raspberry Pi first came out, there were only a few
places to buy them. Now the following are just a few of the businesses that sell the Raspberry Pi:
Farnell element14—www.farnell.com
RS Components—uk.rs-online.com
Allied Electronics, Inc.—www.alliedelec.com
Amazon—www.amazon.comWhat Raspberry Pi Peripherals Are Necessary?
At this point, you have a decision to make. You can buy the Raspberry Pi with all its necessary
peripherals in a prepackaged kit, or you can buy the Raspberry Pi and its necessary peripherals
separately. A prepackaged kit will save you time but cost you more money. Buying everything
separately will save you money but cost you time. It’s best to look at both options before making your
decision.
Watch Out!: Purchasing Peripherals
Be sure to read the rest of the hour before you purchase a Raspberry Pi and
peripherals. There are several important facts you need to know to avoid wasting time
and money.The following sections describe the basic peripherals you need to get your Raspberry Pi up and
running:
An SD card
Power peripherals
A television and/or computer monitor with HDMI
A USB keyboard