Understanding how technology works is more important than ever. While the Raspberry Pi is one of the most versatile education devices available today, the barebones unit has a learning curve. Fortunately, there are also plenty of kits to make full use of its potential.
The CrowPi 2 is one such device. The laptop-style unit is designed to educate younger users about a computer's hardware, while the custom software can teach them essential development and coding.
What Is the CrowPi 2?
The Raspberry Pi is a small and affordable computer. The entry-level device is perfect for DIY projects, smart home automation, and even as a home theater media server. The unit is often found in computers and learning devices aimed at the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) market.
The CrowPi 2 is a specially designed Raspberry Pi-based laptop aimed at the educational market. That doesn't mean that it's only suitable for schools, though. The learning-focused gadget is perfect for curious young minds as they take their first steps into the digital world. The portable device is equipped with an 11.6-inch HD display with an integrated 2MP camera.
The Raspberry Pi is hidden underneath the removable wireless keyboard but is easily accessible thanks to the dedicated internal installation groove. The CrowPi 2 has an internal development board designed for exploration. All components including various motors, the power supply, diodes, sensors, and other electronics are readily available to you.
The CrowPi 2 is available without a Raspberry Pi, allowing you to add your own, or can come with either a Raspberry Pi 3 or Raspberry Pi 4 preinstalled.
How Does The CrowPi 2 Work?
Although hardware is a significant part of the overall design, the CrowPi 2 is more than just a laptop. It comes with software preinstalled. This features an easy-to-use interface and a focus on learning and programming. The software combines tutorials for Scratch and Python languages, Micro:bit and Arduino compilation environments, and even some entry-level Minecraft programming.
Complex topics like artificial intelligence and facial recognition and voice processing are introduced, giving kids a start on some of today's most pressing software challenges. The offline account allows you to track your progress through the lessons, projects, and tutorials. All told, there are over 70 lessons and 30 projects stored on the CrowPi 2 to work through.
CrowPi 2 Availability
The CrowPi 2 is available on Kickstarter for Early Bird pricing from $140 and is expected to ship in July. The price varies depending on which edition you choose. After the crowdfunding period ends, the unit will retail from $259.
The CrowPi 2 is the successor to the original CrowPi all-in-one Raspberry Pi kit and it builds upon the strengths of the first device while improving the specifications and upgrading the software experience.
If you want to know more about the previous iteration, check out our review of the CrowPi All-In-One Kit.