7 reasons why you should buy a Raspberry Pi

Anyone who has once dealt with the Raspberry Pi and understood the many possibilitys one has with it, will be under it´s spell. However, the question arises how to convince family and friends to experiment with the single-board computer. There are many reasons for using a Raspberry, but it quickly becomes technically abstract and not very tangible - the attention of the most people is already gone. In the following article, I have collected 7 reasons why you should buy a Raspberry Pi or what makes the attraction with which you can convince others to experiment with the Raspberry.

Reason 1: Easy entry into the wonderful world of Linux

On the Raspberry Pi there are mainly running Linux distributions as operating system.
The big advantage of Linux and the software which runs on it, is on the one hand that it is free and on the other hand it is extremly customizable. The reason is the open source idea of many developers in the Linux environment and now everything can be changed according to your own wishes. Furthermore the operatingsystem does not only run on high-end hardware, but also on systems with much less performance like the Raspberry Pi. There is also a huge Linux community these days, so you quickly get personal help in the World Wide Web.

Reason 2: Learn how a computer basically works

Nowadays everyone uses a computer in so many situations in everyday life. Wether the personal computer, the tablet or the smartphone and even cars wouldn´t work without it´s small computing units. But the the most users don´t know how a computer basically works, neither about the hardware nor the software. The Raspberry Pi is a small and also very low-priced computer (about 35 USD) by means of which one can understand how the individual components play together. Let the computer no longer be the master over itself, but respond with understanding!

Reason 3: Learn programming simple and practice-focused

Not only as a gimmick, but also in the office a lot of tasks can be done more efficient, if one could program. Often you hear people say: “For learning programming it´s too late.” Or “For such things I have no talent.” All these people never tried, but you don´t need to be a pro to help yourself in everyday life. To understand a simple language is mostly sufficient.
The Raspberry Pi provides a platform on which one can quickly learn the fundamentals of programming on the basis of practical ideas. And of course it´s fun if you can realize your own projects you wished since years.

Reason 4: Easiest way to realize electronic engineering projects

Own devices withe sensors, electricity meter or even home automation is quite a challenge.The Raspberry Pi has a GPIO-Interface with which components can be connected, accessed and used easier than ever before. Therefore there is a large selection of components which can be used. In addition, there are also libraries for many of the components that can be used, which makes it possible to use the parts according to your own wishes on the software side.

Reason 5: Energy-saving und cheap NAS, File Sync und Download-Server

A NAS (network attached storage), a private cloud, a file sync server a download-server are things which bid an added value for a few people. There are a lot of commercial solutions which are expensive and often not very energy-efficient. Furthermore, these systems can not be set up and used according to your own ideas. All this can be done with the Raspberry Pi for 35 USD!

Reason 6: Ful-featured media-center for low budget

Apple TV, a Boxee Box or a gaming console with which you can stream pictures, videos or movies are nice things. But these devices are very expensive you are bound to the on-board system of them and maybe they don´t support your favourite streaming source. With Kodi/XBMC and Plex there are two essential applications to transform your Raspberry Pi into a full-featured home-entertainment system. Also Full-HD should be no problem for the Raspberry.

Reason 7: Realize creative projects according to your own wishes

The completely individual solution, which works as you want and which you can´t buy in any shop. Crative projects are no problem with the tiny single-board computer. There exist incredible solutions on the Raspberry Pi from a lot of hobbyists in the web. A Lego-Supercomputer, Lightpainting or a voiceo-oprated coffee machine are only a few possible projects.

Convinced? What you need for the start into the Raspberry Pi World:

You have seen that there are many reasons to follow up with the Raspberry Pi and thereby even learn new things and make your everyday life a bit easiser and more individual. If you now want to start, you should consider what you need for it.
Follow me to see more articles, DIY guides and interesting projects about the Raspberry Pi.
In my next article I will introduce the different Raspberry Pi models and some accessory.