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The Adafruit Fruit Jam is a credit-card-sized RP2350B microcontroller board for projects that combine video output, USB-host input, audio and optional Wi-Fi. It can connect to a suitable HDMI display and a USB keyboard, but it is not a conventional Linux desktop PC: you program it with CircuitPython, Arduino or the Pico SDK, and Fruit Jam OS is a separate CircuitPython-based experience.
What the Fruit Jam is—and what it is not
Adafruit describes the Fruit Jam as a mini computer, but its foundation is the RP2350B microcontroller. That distinction matters: it is intended for programmable maker projects and dedicated experiences, not as a general-purpose desktop that runs Linux applications. Adafruit lists CircuitPython, Arduino and Pico SDK as development options.
Fruit Jam OS adds a computer-like interface built on CircuitPython. Its launcher can be navigated with a USB keyboard or mouse, and it includes a code-file editor, apps and games. Adafruit presents it as an experience inspired by early computers and DIY game consoles, rather than a replacement for a desktop operating system. See the Fruit Jam OS guide.
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Fruit Jam hardware and connections
The board measures 3.375 × 2.125 inches, about the footprint of a business card, according to Adafruit’s Product 6200 listing. Its listed specifications describe the board’s components, not independent performance benchmarks.
#1 Best Overall
- RP2350-One is a Pico-like MCU board based on Raspberry Pi RP2350A microcontroller chip, adopts dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard 3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz
- Mini RP2350A development board with 520KB of Static Random-Access Memory, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory
- Onboard PCB Type-A male port, plug and play, no additional cables required, easy to use
- 29 × multi-function GPIO pins, configurable pin function, allows flexible development and integration, castellated module, suitable for SMD applications
- Support C/C++, MicroPython, comprehensive SDK, dev resources and online tutorials to help you easily get started
| Feature | What Adafruit lists |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | RP2350B, dual 150 MHz Cortex-M33 |
| Memory | 16 MB flash and 8 MB PSRAM |
| Video | DVI output over HSTX |
| USB | Two USB-A host ports through a hub; USB-C for bootloading and client use |
| Storage and connectivity | MicroSD slot; ESP32-C6 connectivity coprocessor for Wi-Fi and internet connectivity |
| Audio | Built-in I2S audio path, 3.5 mm stereo jack and JST-SH connector for a small mono speaker |
| Expansion and controls | STEMMA QT I2C, three-pin JST connection, five NeoPixels, three tactile switches and an expansion header with 10 analog/digital GPIO positions |
The listing notes a PCB update to a new A4 chip as of October 8, 2025. If a particular board revision matters to your project, check the current product listing before ordering.
Can you use it with an HDMI monitor and USB keyboard?
Yes, a suitable display and USB keyboard are part of a demonstrated project setup. The Fruit Jam produces DVI video over HSTX; Adafruit’s Breakout project guide shows video on an HDMI monitor using an HDMI cable, along with a USB keyboard. Check that your monitor and cable arrangement supports the board’s output. The guide is available at Breakout Game on the Metro RP2350 and Fruit Jam.
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Those peripherals are not listed as part of the standard board kit. Plan for a compatible display connection and keyboard separately, and follow the project guide’s connection and reset sequence for that example. USB-A host ports let the board work with supported USB peripherals; they do not make every USB device automatically compatible.
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The board has hardware for both headphone or powered-speaker output and a small mono speaker. Adafruit’s audio guide describes CircuitPython support through the built-in TLV320DAC3100 DAC and the Adafruit_CircuitPython_FruitJam module, including playback of audio and WAV files. The 3.5 mm jack is stereo; the JST-SH connection is for a small 4–8 ohm mono speaker. See I2S Audio | Adafruit Fruit Jam.
Rank #3
![Adafruit Flora Wearable Bluefruit LE Module [ADA2487]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Ia-hZVfjL._SL160_.jpg)
- The Flora Bluefruit LE makes it easy to add Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity to your Flora. Sew 4 traces (or solder 4 wires) and BooM! Bluetooth Low Energy!
- Using our Bluefruit iOS App or Android App, you can quickly get your interactive project prototyped by using your iOS or Android phone/tablet as a controller. We have a color picker, quaternion/accelerometer/gyro/magnetometer or location (GPS), and an 8-button control game pad. After you connect to the Bluefruit, you can send commands wirelessly in under 10 minutes
- For advanced hackers, they'll be very happy to use the standard Nordic UART RX/TX connection profile. In this profile, the Bluefruit acts as a data pipe, that can 'transparently' transmit back and forth from your iOS or Android device. You can use our iOS App or Android App, or write your own to communicate with the UART service.
- You can do a lot more too!
The Breakout example brings together the board’s video output, USB keyboard input and sound effects. Other available guides explore a Fruit Jam OS launcher and games. These are project-specific demonstrations, not evidence that the board behaves like a full desktop computer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What comes in the kit, and what else you need
Adafruit’s product listing describes a standard mini-kit containing the assembled board, protective top plate, screws, mini speaker and bumper kit. Bundle contents can change, so confirm the current listing if a specific part is important. A display, keyboard and HDMI cable are not identified as included in the standard kit.
Rank #4
- The Adafruit Feather nRF52 Bluefruit is an easy-to-use all-in-one Bluetooth Low Energy board, with a native-bluetooth chip, the nRF52832! It's our take on an 'all-in-one' Arduino-compatible + Bluetooth Low Energy with built in USB and battery charging.
- This chip has twice the flash, SRAM and performance of the earlier nRF51-based Bluefruit modules. Best of all it has Arduino IDE support so there is no 'helper' chip like the ATmega32u4 or ATSAMD21. Instead, this chip is programmed directly! It's got tons of awesome peripherals: plenty of GPIO, analog inputs, PWM, timers, etc. Leaving out the extra microcontroller means the price, complexity and power-usage are all lower/better.
- It allows you to run code directly on the nRF52832, straight from the Arduino IDE as you would with any other MCU or Arduino compatible device. A single MCU means better performance, lower overall power consumption, and lower production costs if you ever want to design your own hardware based on your Bluefruit nRF52 Feather project!
- The chip comes pre-programmed with an auto-resetting bootloader so you can upload quickly in the Arduino IDE with no button-pressing. Want to program the chip directly? You can use our command line tools with your favorite editor and toolchain.
- The example code works great with Adafruit's existing iOS and Android app.
For programming or firmware transfer through a computer, use a data-capable USB-C cable. Adafruit’s setup guide warns that a charge-only cable will not work for its bootloader workflow. The Adafruit Fruit Jam guide covers setup, pinout and programming options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Add bluetooth support to your project easily using this easy to use module from Adafruit
- Download the free iOS and Android App by Adafruit to get started quickly
- High quality module with custom firmware written by Adafruit. Having issues? This product is fully supported by Adafruit!
- Full control over the device
Who should consider the Fruit Jam?
- Good fit: makers who want one compact board for microcontroller programming, video projects, USB-host input, audio and expansion.
- Good fit: educators or hobbyists building a dedicated game, launcher, interactive display or other focused project with supported peripherals.
- Not a fit: anyone expecting a conventional Linux computer for everyday desktop apps, web browsing or multitasking.
- Plan carefully: projects involving a display or peripherals need compatible cables and devices, and should follow the relevant guide’s setup instructions.
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