If we search, we can find dozens of SBC (Single Board Computer) boards in the market. These boards are characterized by the integration of all components in a single board. A great option for both DIY enthusiasts and those who want a low-cost computer or inexpensive multimedia solution.
The problem has been the pandemic, at least for the 8GB Raspberry Pi 4. Due to this abnormal situation, it went to 200 dollars, which is double its launch price. Now its price is starting to drop, as the company’s CEO Eben Upton said, due to increased inventory.
This is the new “milkweed” plate
Libre Computer has just announced on social networks its new SBCs, that attract attention. These are called Cottonwood Project, which would translate to “Project Milkdoncillo”. Receive this funny name to be a completely white plate.
This China-based company has created a new alternative to the most popular SBCs on the market. According to its advertising, it would be twice as powerful as a Pi 4, which we find difficult to believe.
According to the announcement, the small poplar would cost around $45 and the tall poplar would cost about 70 dollars. As for specs, the company hasn’t given much information on what it will look like.
Some users on social networks asked about the processor, which is “hidden” with a passive heat sink. As the company replied, it would be a ARMv6 SoCsof which we know nothing more.
Thanks to the published images, we can extract certain data. The first is that he has a full HDMI port for video output. We can also see how it has a connector CSI for cameraa connector DSI for screen and a connector 40-pin GPIO.
On the other hand, he has two USB 3.0 ports, depending on the blue color of these connectors. The power supply, as can be seen in the image, would be via a USB-C connector.
Real alternative to Raspberry?
Cottonwood comes to replace the current Le Potatao, other boards from this Chinese company that compete with the Raspberry Pi. These Le Potato have 1 GB and 2 GB of RAM and are an alternative to the Raspberry Pi 3. In this sense, we assume that they might have 2GB and 4GB of RAM, depending on the prices listed.
It should be remembered that the 8 GB Pi 4 at launch cost 100 dollars, so it seems difficult that for 70 dollars we have an 8 GB version. It is possible, but the RAM chips are still not modern and of the best quality possible.
It also seems complicated to us that he can fulfill the assertion of double the power. Although it has been a long time since the launch of the Pi 4 and new processors have been developed. We’ll see when it launches if that’s really what it promises.
