# Raspberry Pi Model A

> simple version of the Raspberry Pi computer

**Wikidata**: [Q15711760](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15711760)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raspberry-pi-model-a

## Summary
The Raspberry Pi Model A is the original simplified, credit-card-sized single-board computer released in 2012, offering a basic entry point into the Raspberry Pi series at a lower cost with fewer ports. It targets users needing a minimal, affordable computer for education and embedded applications.

## Key Facts
- Released on 2013-02-04 by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
- Priced at $25 upon launch.
- Features an ARM11 CPU and VideoCore GPU with a base clock frequency of 700 MHz.
- Has 256 MB of RAM and a mass of 31 grams.
- Operates at 5 volts and consumes 1.5 watts of power.
- Dimensions are 85.60 mm (width) x 56.5 mm (length).
- Preceded by no prior A model and succeeded by the Raspberry Pi Model A+.
- Classified as a product model and subclass of Raspberry Pi.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the Raspberry Pi Model A?
A: The Model A was designed as the most affordable entry point into the Raspberry Pi line, offering a simplified, credit-card-sized computer for basic educational projects and embedded systems with reduced hardware compared to the Model B.

### Q: How did the Raspberry Pi Model A differ from the Model B?
A: The Model A had fewer features: only one USB port (compared to two), no Ethernet port, and less RAM (256 MB vs 512 MB), making it cheaper and more basic but requiring a USB hub or Wi-Fi dongle for network access.

### Q: Why was the Raspberry Pi Model A discontinued?
A: It was succeeded by the improved Raspberry Pi Model A+ in November 2014, which offered more features like enhanced GPIO headers, a reset button, and slightly improved specifications while maintaining a similar low price point.

### Q: Who developed the Raspberry Pi Model A?
A: It was developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based organization focused on promoting computer science education in schools.

## Why It Matters
The Raspberry Pi Model A holds significance as the original minimal variant in the groundbreaking Raspberry Pi series. It embodied the Foundation's mission by providing an exceptionally affordable computer platform (initially $25), lowering the barrier to entry for students, educators, and hobbyists exploring computing and electronics. Its reduced feature set compared to the Model B offered a leaner, potentially more power-efficient solution for specific embedded applications or users needing a truly minimal system. By establishing the "A" line's premise of affordability and simplicity, it paved the way for later iterations like the Model A+ and influenced the design philosophy of subsequent budget-oriented boards within the Raspberry Pi ecosystem. Its release was a crucial step in making accessible computing hardware widely available.

## Notable For
- Being the first and original Raspberry Pi "A" model, establishing the simplified line.
- Its initial launch price of $25, setting an exceptionally low standard for a complete single-board computer.
- Minimalist design featuring only one USB port and lacking built-in Ethernet, requiring external peripherals for connectivity.
- Reduced power consumption of 1.5 watts compared to the Model B, making it suitable for very low-power applications.
- Being succeeded directly by the Raspberry Pi Model A+ in November 2014.

## Body
### Launch & Release
- The Raspberry Pi Model A was first publicly announced and released on **2013-02-04**.
- Its launch was covered by an official Raspberry Pi Foundation blog post: [Model A now for sale in Europe, buy one today!](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/model-a-now-for-sale-in-europe-buy-one-today/).
- It succeeded no prior "A" model and was directly succeeded by the **Raspberry Pi Model A+** on **2014-11-10**.

### Specifications
- **CPU**: ARM11.
- **GPU**: VideoCore.
- **Clock Frequency**: Base clock frequency of 700 MHz.
- **RAM**: 256 MB.
- **Storage**: 256 MB (implied from context, as it used an SD card).
- **Power**: Operates at **5 volts** and consumes **1.5 watts**.
- **Dimensions**: **85.60 mm** (width) x **56.5 mm** (length).
- **Mass**: **31 grams**.

### Design & Features
- It is a **credit-card-sized single-board computer**.
- Designed as the **simple version** of the Raspberry Pi computer.
- **Physical Ports**: Featured only **one USB port** (compared to the Model B's two) and lacked an Ethernet port.
- **Connectivity**: Required an external USB Wi-Fi adapter for network connectivity.
- **Development**: Created by the **Raspberry Pi Foundation**.
- **Image**: Visual reference available at [Wikimedia Commons - Raspberry Pi Model A](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Raspberry_Pi_-_Model_A.jpg).
- **Schematic**: Available at [Wikimedia Commons - Raspberry Pi 1A](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Raspberry_Pi_1A.svg).

### Classification & Legacy
- It is classified as a **product model**.
- It is a **subclass of Raspberry Pi**.
- Sitelink count is **1** (indicating limited standalone coverage in language editions).
- It belongs to the **commons category: Raspberry Pi Model A**.
- It is sometimes referred to by the alias **"Raspberry Pi A"**.
- Its description highlights it as a **"simple version of the Raspberry Pi computer"**.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/model-a-now-for-sale-in-europe-buy-one-today/)