RPi2 Model A and Compute Module

[RasperryPie]

Hi everyone,

I have been trying to find out when the Model A and Compute Module is released but without any luck.

Can anyone from RPi Foundation uncover a ETA on the two products?

Thanks!

[plugwash]

It doesn't tend to be the raspberry pi foundations style to announce release dates in advance, they tend to wait until they have the product ready.

[mikerr]

Wait for the stock of A+ or compute modules to be mysteriously low for a few weeks
-that's when you know a release is imminent

[W. H. Heydt]

The statements I've seen--things like interviews with Eben--suggest that the Compute Module 2 might arrive late this year and the Pi2A *maybe* some time next year.

A new Compute Module is a pretty obviously useful upgrade. Part of the delay may simply be ensuring that there is (a) enough SoCs available, and (b) enough production line capacity, in both cases to not interfere with the production to take care of the Pi2B demand.

A P12A is a dicier proposition. One point Eben made in interviews is that a Pi2A really needs more than 256MB RAM, and right now, the production cost with 512MB would rule out keeping the price at $20, a line he wants to hold. I think that's a smart decision, for a variety of reasons. He appears to think that component prices will come down to the point that a $20 Pi2A will be possible. The other big factor is...does a Pi2A make sense? A major point to the A+ is low power. Replacing it with an SoC that really needs more power would appear to be counter-productive. This also suggests that the A+ model might well contiune to sell in decent numbers even with a Pi2A on the market, and the A+ might push sales of a Pi2A down too far to make the Pi2A worth making at all.

As I proposed in another thread, it is possible that the best path forward for the A/A+/"Pi2A" series would be to boost the RAM on the existing A+ to 512MB. Some people noted that this would actually be useful for applications that involve using the camera modules with the A+.

In any case, I wouldn't expect a Pi2A for 12 to 18 months yet.

[RaTTuS]

Pi2 CM maybe later this year
depends how much the Pi2 sells
however
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisp ... topsellers
has been top seller since Pi2 came out
so no sign of it slowing ATM

the Pi2CM will need a bit of a rebuild to the CM board as the RAM will appear elsewhere on it ....


the A2 will be longer possibly never ....

[RasperryPie]

I would be sad if the A would be brought to life with only 256MB due to my vision applications. But it sounds like it wont be happening in a few months. I guess i need to solder off some connectors on the normal model to get the compact board i need.

[pluggy]

Wait for the stock of A+ or compute modules to be mysteriously low for a few weeks
-that's when you know a release is imminent

Cynic.

Can't say I don't fully agree with you though....

[W. H. Heydt]

I would be sad if the A would be brought to life with only 256MB due to my vision applications. But it sounds like it wont be happening in a few months. I guess i need to solder off some connectors on the normal model to get the compact board i need.

The Model A was originally planned to have 128MB. By the time it actually launched (the launch was delayed because the Model B was so popular that there was a manufacturing bottleneck) it came out with 256MB. The A+ has 256MB. Eben has stated--publicly--that a "Pi2A" needs more that 256MB, but the cost to make a 512MB Pi2A would drive the retail price above $20...and he doesn't want that to happen, so his plan is to wait until the board can be sold for $20 and that will take a while.

So...maybe some time in 2016, look for a 512MB Pi2A.