The Relevance of an Authentic Raspberry Pi Device
Here's the fresh take on that article:
In the realm of consumer-grade computers, the Raspberry Pi crew stands out, continuing to support their initial boards even after 13 years. Given the more recent Pi Zero uses a similar 32-bit system-on-chip, it's likely part of the reason for this support. Nevertheless, it's quite impressive that a decade-old single-board computer still gets manufacturer OS support in 2025!
Jeff Geerling gives the old Pi a whirl with a unique 2013 blue special edition, a promotional item given away by RS in a social media competition. Regrettably, neither Geerling nor we scored one back then, so he nabbed it from an online auction. We witness a sluggish desktop exploration, but let's be realistic - that's not where the Pi 1 truly shines. At the time, it was acknowledged to be roughly on par with a Pentium II or III in PC terms, so this shouldn't come as a shock. Geerling ultimately concludes that it excels as a headless machine, although he notes that some projects are transitioning away from 32-bit builds. The full video is linked below.
Remember our Pi 1 analysis from not so long ago? In 2025, this relic is still a handy little Linux box for script-based projects, albeit with no chance to win any speed races.
So, what can you do with a 13-year-old Raspberry Pi 1 in 2025? Here are some current applications:
- Home Automation and IoT Projects
- Even with its age, the Pi 1 can function as a home automation server or IoT test server, making it suitable for basic automation tasks and IoT applications.
- Script-Based Projects
- The Pi 1 is perfect for running scripts, making it a useful Linux box for handling tasks that don't require a GUI or high processing power.
- Lite File Server or Media Center
- Although it may struggle with heavy multimedia tasks, the Pi 1 can still serve as a basic file server or media center for lightweight needs.
- GPIO and Serial Tasks
- The Pi 1 is ideal for projects involving GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) or serial communication, often used in robotics and automation projects.
- Education and Hobbyist Projects
- Its simplicity and low cost make it an excellent tool for educational projects or hobbyist experiments, introducing basic programming and electronics concepts.
- Long-Running Applications
- In some instances, Raspberry Pi 1 devices have thrived under long uptimes, demonstrating their reliability for continuous operation in stable environments.
Pro Tips for Using a Raspberry Pi 1:- Manage Expectations: Recognize its limitations and steer clear of heavy workloads.- Utilize Lightweight Tools: Select lightweight software and tools to maximize performance.- Avoid GUI Tasks: Optimize its functionality by primarily using it as a headless machine.
1.Despite being over a decade old, a Raspberry Pi 1 can still be a valuable gadget in 2025, particularly in the realm of technology, given its utilization in home automation and IoT projects, script-based tasks, lightweight file servers, GPIO and serial tasks, education, and hobbyist projects, and even for long-running applications.2. Incorporating a Raspberry Pi 1 into Linux-based projects might involve managing expectations by avoiding graphical user interface tasks, utilizing lightweight tools, and ensuring the selection of tasks that don't require high processing power, thus maximizing its efficiency as a headless machine.
