With the Raspberry Pi now shipping, thousands of curious programmers, hackers, teachers, and kids are starting to experiment with the device. That experimentation is limited to software for the most part, but with the Gertboard in development it shouldn’t be long before Raspberry Pi hardware extensions are also a possibility.
Outside of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, it seems work is being done to support the tiny PC with add-ons. One of the companies set to launch such a product is Adafruit, which has just announced an electronics plate kit for the device.
The kit is currently in the prototype stages, and as the image above shows, would sit directly on top of the Raspberry Pi while remaining easily removable. Once connected, you can use it to experiment with a range of components using the breadboard or perfboard areas.
Adafruit is hoping to encourage people to use the plate kit to prototype electronic circuits and create some embedded computer projects. It’s certainly an idea that will excite those coming to the Raspberry Pi who have experience with Arduino.
One thing the plate kit demonstrates is the diversity and potential the Raspberry Pi has to offer. Not only does it put a very cheap PC in the pockets of young students, with this kit add-on it could reinvent lessons in electronics. Who wouldn’t enjoy messing with components and making their own gadgets during a school day?
Adafruit has yet to announce pricing for the kit, but is testing it with the Raspberry Pi boards that are now shipping. If you’d like to be informed when the plate kit ships, sign up to be notified via the link below.
Read more at Adafruit
