So as expected, as soon as we got introduced the latest and currently the fastest Raspberry Pi model, i.e., the Raspberry Pi B+, a new rival to this Raspberry Pi board launched in the market. Today, we will see the details about the Nano Pi K1 Plus which is giving tough competition to the Raspberry Pi 3 model B plus board.
Raspberry Pi 3 B Plus Rival: Nano Pi K1 Plus
Let’s have an overview of this latest Pi 3 B+ rival which can give you as many possibilities as you think.
What is Nano Pi K1 Plus?
It is a new Raspberry Pi Rival board which got an introduction by the FriendlyElec just a few days ago. In last year, the company also launched a Raspberry Pi 3 rival named as a Nano Pi K2. It was having a launching price of $40. While this following version Nano Pi K1 Plus is available at the cost of $35, similar to that of the Pi 3 B+.
Design & Specifications of Nano Pi K1 Plus:
This new competitor to the Raspberry Pi 3 has similar board design but has some attractive specifications that can put it in the top spot:
- 2 GB RAM which is double than the Pi 3 B+
- 1.4 GHz Allwinner H5 64-bit Quad-Core Cortex A53 Processor
- Six-Core Mali450 GPU
- Gigabit Ethernet support
- Wireless support with the compatibility to latest 802.11 b/g/n standards
- 40-pin GPIO header
- An additional GPIO button
- eMMC storage module
- One HDMI 1.4 port
- A 3.5mm audio jack
- Three USB 2.0 ports
- 4K video output
Usage of Nano Pi K1 Plus
Other than the specs mentioned above, the FriendlyElec Nano Pi K1 Plus has an infrared receiver & internal microphone. This facility will help you to use this board on service Kiosks or in a digital signage system. By some coding and tinkering, you can use it as a media center too. Also, the other robotics and electronics projects can be completed successfully with proper knowledge and components. Visit the Wiki site of the company to get more instructions.
The Nano Pi K1 Plus uses FriendlyCore Operating System image which is based on Ubuntu. As it has a similar design to the Raspberry Pi 3 B+, you can use any of the compatible enclosures to fit this board. This Pi 3 model B+ rival also has a DVP digicam interface for the multimedia facility.
Conclusion
With the same design & price of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, the Nano Pi K1 Plus offers some more powerful specifications to the users. However, this RPi 3 rival does not have onboard Bluetooth support like the Pi 3 model has. Also, you need to consider requirements like an Ubuntu 16.04 version with a 64-bit system, a TF card keyboard & mouse, and some other to use this top-class performance board. It will be easier with the usage of official OS from FriendlyElec and some coding knowledge, though.
Good Luck!
