The Raspberry Pi 500+ combines a Raspberry Pi 5-based computer, mechanical keyboard, 16GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD in one unit. It does not include a monitor. Its original US launch price was $200 standalone or $220 in a desktop kit, but Raspberry Pi’s current US list prices, checked October 4, 2026, are $410 and $430 respectively—so “affordable” depends on what you compare it with and what you already own.
What the Raspberry Pi 500+ includes
The 500+ is a computer built into a keyboard, rather than a display-equipped all-in-one PC. Raspberry Pi describes it as a premium computer integrated into a mechanical keyboard. Its specifications are manufacturer-provided, not independent test results.
- 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 processor
- 16GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM
- 256GB internal Raspberry Pi SSD, preloaded with Raspberry Pi OS
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, and Gigabit Ethernet
- Two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port
- Two micro-HDMI ports supporting up to dual 4Kp60 output
- Horizontal 40-pin GPIO header
The keyboard uses Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile mechanical switches, has individually addressable RGB lighting, and comes with a key puller. The controller runs QMK, according to Raspberry Pi’s launch announcement. Key count and layout vary by regional version: the product specifications list 84-, 85-, or 88-key variants, so check the local listing before ordering.
See the Raspberry Pi 500+ product page and the official product brief for current manufacturer specifications.
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- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Current price: the launch figure is outdated
Raspberry Pi announced the 500+ on September 25, 2025, at a US launch price of $200 for the standalone computer and $220 for the desktop kit. On April 1, 2026, the company announced a $150 increase for both the unit and kit. The current product page and brief list US prices of $410 standalone and $430 for the desktop kit, as checked October 4, 2026.
| Configuration | US price at September 2025 launch | Current US list price checked October 4, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 500+ standalone | $200 | $410 |
| 500+ desktop kit | $220 | $430 |
These are Raspberry Pi’s stated product prices, not a survey of market prices. Local reseller prices can differ with taxes, shipping, currency, and availability. The $200 figure in the title of older coverage refers to the original launch price, not the current list price.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Sources: September 2025 launch announcement, April 2026 price announcement, and the current product page.
What else you need for a desktop
The standalone 500+ does not include a display. Raspberry Pi’s setup guide lists a suitable power supply, display, micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable, and USB mouse as hardware prerequisites. The desktop kit includes a Raspberry Pi mouse, 27W USB-C power supply, micro-HDMI cable, and Beginner’s Guide, but still requires a display. The optional Raspberry Pi Monitor is one documented display option for these keyboard computers.
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| Item | Standalone computer | Desktop kit |
|---|---|---|
| 500+ computer and keyboard | Included | Included |
| Display | Not included | Not included |
| 27W USB-C power supply | Not included; a suitable supply is required | Included |
| Micro-HDMI cable | Not included; required to connect a display | Included |
| USB mouse | Not included; listed as a setup prerequisite | Included |
| Beginner’s Guide | Not stated for standalone package | Included |
Raspberry Pi’s keyboard-computer setup guide says early 500+ units shipped with Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm and newer units come with Trixie. Since the included SSD is preprogrammed with Raspberry Pi OS, you can boot from it without first preparing boot media.
Can you upgrade the SSD?
Yes. The internal SSD is replaceable. Raspberry Pi’s current specifications say the M.2 bay supports NVMe SSDs up to 2280 form factor; its launch article explains that the case can be carefully opened with the included tool to swap the drive. Check compatibility for a specific replacement SSD before buying it. The computer can also boot from an SD card or an external USB SSD.
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- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
This gives the 500+ an upgrade path for internal storage, but it does not mean every M.2 drive is guaranteed compatible. The form factor and NVMe requirement are the useful starting checks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider the 500+ at today’s price?
The design makes most sense for someone who specifically wants a Raspberry Pi computer integrated into a mechanical keyboard, values its 16GB RAM and included SSD, and can use the Pi software and GPIO ecosystem. It could also suit a modest home-computing setup, a child’s first PC, a thin-client role, or a classroom, uses considered by Tom’s Hardware in its review. Those are use-case judgments, not a guarantee that it will suit every workload.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
At $410 for the standalone unit, assess its total cost against a Raspberry Pi 500 or Pi 5 build, a conventional laptop, and a mini PC. Include the display and any peripherals you need, then compare memory and storage, keyboard preference, software requirements, upgradeability, and regional layout. No current head-to-head benchmark is established here, so this is a feature-and-cost decision rather than a claim that one option is faster.
The horizontal GPIO header is accessible, but Tom’s Hardware found the orientation less convenient for hardware projects than a more direct development-board arrangement. If frequent HAT or electronics work is the priority, factor that into the choice rather than treating the keyboard integration as an unqualified advantage. The review’s value assessment was made at the $200 launch price; it should not be carried over unchanged to the current $410 list price. See Tom’s Hardware’s Raspberry Pi 500+ review for that reviewer’s evaluation.
How long is it expected to be made?
Raspberry Pi’s product specifications state a minimum production end date of January 2035. That is the manufacturer’s stated lifecycle date; it is not a promise about local stock or future reseller availability.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
