I purchased the 3 B+ Starter Kit from CanaKit. I couldn't get the Raspberry Pi to boot, it just showed me a red LED. I tried many, many things...and then I got desperate and emailed CanaKit. I sent an email on a Saturday that described my situation, and the steps I took. Mike from CanaKit got right back to me in less than 15 minutes, and CanaKit shipped me a new 3 B+ board within 3 hours. On a Saturday, no less! I just received my new board, and it fired right up. Failures happen, but what matters is the follow-up service, and I am very impressed! Now I get to play with my Raspberry Pi, thank you CanaKit!
System was very easy to get up and running. Parts were individually packaged inside an outer box, which kept them from getting scuffed up in shipping. Many of the parts were marked with obvious warning stickers that directly addressed some easy mistake that could set you back, and that's pretty handy if you're new to all of this.
The kit comes with the software installed on the little memory card, so you can get up and running without internet, but if you're at the "select what operating system you want to install" screen and connect to an internet-enabled network (which is automatic and smooth), the screen automatically updates with the other operating systems and current versions without further tinkering.
Looking at this kit as a computer build, I would say this was the easiest, and least confusing I've ever done. It feels silly to say that about a computer like this, but I'd say this 'build' was less troublesome than taking a ready-to-use laptop or HTPC out of the box and getting them to do the things I want them to do. The Windows-like operating system loads fast and doesn't have dozens of frustrating, bundled applications vying for additional pay, needing to be uninstalled and resisting deinstallation.
Most wonderful of all was that the specific things I needed to figure out (installing and self-starting Synergy and writing a temperature-checking script) are well covered by abundant and clear-cut community web pages.
I was a little confused by the thumbdrive/SDcard adapter, thinking that I would need it for making a boot image or something. As it turns out, the adapter isn't needed for anything in this kit and I'm not sure why it was included. I previously had to put the little SD cards into a larger version (adapter) and then stick it in my camera, connected to a computer via USB, so I'm certainly not going to complain about the upgrade. Of course, if I wanted more kits for future projects, having a bunch of these adapters laying around would be somewhat of a nuisance.
As for the performance, I bought this kit to simply stream a particular 24/7 stock trading network to a computer monitor. Sadly, I was hoping to view the stream at full 1080p, and this kit can only stream at 480p without constantly pausing. There could be various causes, but none of them are external to the device. Also, it seems to generate a bit of heat. I don't know if it's getting hot enough to cause failure, but I opted to cut a square hole in the lid, affix a 40mm PC fan with hot glue, and am reading temps of 35.4c GPU and 35c CPU while streaming 480p full screen now.
All in all, I'd say that this is an excellent, even ideal, kit to do a minor computer task or as a bottom-dollar first computer that will help someone get familiar with Linux-like operating systems, which pretty much run the world.
I think a complete kit like this is definitely the way to go for first time Pi users. Yes, you could probably save a few bucks cobbling this together by yourself, but this works, and works pretty well. There have been some complaints about the case and the difficulties with it. They give you a link to a video of how to assemble the case. Watch it! The case is actually in 3 parts, and the Pi itself sits on the bottom, then the other parts are added on top of it. Don't insert the SD card until it is in the case. The same goes for the heat sinks - don't attach them until the case is assembled. Speaking of heat sinks, one of the case cutouts doesn't line up exactly with the chip that the heat sink attaches to. It's not a deal-breaker by any means, and the heat sink covers ~80% of the smaller chip, so I'm sure it's fine. But this is why you shouldn't attach the heat sinks until the case is assembled, otherwise you might not be able to put everything together.
It would be nice if you could see the activity LEDs with the case closed up, but I can see how that would be difficult to achieve.
I've played around with the Pi a bit, the pi-hole ad blocker is a nifty tool, and the retro-pie gaming console is fun, too. There's lots and lots more you can do with this little thing. I'm excited to explore and see what else I can do with it. I was happy to see that it is basically a linux device, so you can certainly use it to to do lots of programming and scripting, too. I'd like to learn how to use Python, and this could do that.
I built a desktop pc about 3 years ago; it was pretty easy and I installed Linux. This was my first single board experience. Everything works as described, if you go slow. The instructions (and the video explaining) must have been produced by someone who has assembled and disassembled one of these hundreds of times as it looks real, real easy and it is if you know the tricks! Just go slow and do not force anything and you will be OK. I am writing this on my RPi using Chromium web browser and it works swell! But you are not driving a system with 8 or 16 GB of RAM, so don't load it up or it will just crawl into a black hole and die.... Using the Task Manager that came with the system, I have found that if you run it over 700 MB of the 1024 MB RAM available, it will slow to a crawl. Just keep your use to one task at a time and you will be OK.
I have a 28" HDMI monitor (16x10 ratio) attached and the GPU will render 720 HD video with no problems. It is my plan to set up a dual boot so that I can boot as a Linux disk top (great for spreadsheets on that big monitor) or as a entertainment system to run Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc on it.
Just one problem that I have not solved as yet: bluetooth will find and connect to my speaker but does not actually switch from the HDMI output to the bluetooth channel. I dock one star for that (on the other hand it is giving me another free learning experience while trouble shooting it!)
In any case, well worth the $79. They just need to work on that video a little more.
I've never had an easier time configuring an OS than with the Raspberry Pi and Retropie 4.0.
The Canakit works flawlessly, just use one of the heatsinks in the indicated spot on the board and pop together the case. No special tools required. There's really nothing to it.
I downloaded the image for Retropie onto the included 32 Gig micro SD card using the USB adapter, popped it into the Pi, plugged in the HDMI to my monitor, plugged in the power adapter along with a $10 USB keyboard, and the system practically did all the rest (til I put my own USB thumb-drive into the unit to format it and put ROMs onto the system, that is).
And of course you need a gamepad. I have many 3rd party USB controllers but of course a Dualshock or Xbox 360 controller is supposed to work perfectly as well.
If you want your own dedicated classic game console that fits in your pocket: buy this now.
I'm interested in getting a touchscreen kit to use this as an e-reader soon, possibly!
Feature Product
- Includes Made in UK Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (B Plus) with 1.4 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core Processor, 1 GB RAM
- Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz IEEE 802.11.b/g/n/ac Wireless LAN, Enhanced Ethernet Performance
- 32 GB Samsung EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10) Pre-loaded with NOOBS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit 2.5A USB Power Supply with Micro USB Cable and Noise Filter - Specially designed for the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (UL Listed)
- Premium Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Case, High Quality HDMI Cable, 2 x Heat Sinks, GPIO Quick Reference Card, CanaKit Full Color Quick-Start Guide
Description
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you use a different SD card or re-program your SD Card with different software you may see a rainbow splash screen with a lightning bolt symbol. This indicates you are NOT using B+ compatible software. NOOBS 2.7.0 or later is required for operation of the B+.
NOTE: The 32 GB MicroSD card may appear as 1 GB when inserted into a PC as it is pre-partitioned. The remaining space can be expanded as desired.
The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (B Plus) Starter Kit is covered by CanaKit's 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty offering hassle-free replacements.
An exclusive Starter Kit from CanaKit that includes the fastest model of the Raspberry Pi family - The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (B plus) and everything you need to get up and running.
The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is the latest production Raspberry Pi 3 featuring a 64-bit quad core processor running at 1.4 Ghz. It incorporates enhanced built-in dual-band WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.2/BLE and faster Ethernet.
Also included in this Raspberry Pi 3 Starter Kit is a premium Raspberry Pi 3 case as well as a Samsung EVO+ 32 GB Class 10 MicroSD Card pre-loaded with NOOBS. Just Plug and Play!
The CanaKit 2.5A Micro USB power supply (UL Listed) is specially designed and tested for the Raspberry Pi 3 B+. This power supply incorporates a noise filter to provide the highest stability.
Kit Includes:
This Kit is great, and the Raspburry Pi 3 B+ board is AWESOME! The case i only OK, but you don't need it. I plugged my Keyboard, mouse, memory (with noobs OS) and monitor into the naked board and ran the OS installation: I just had to set the local area in the config menu to get the Pi to recognize my WiFi. This board with the raspberry OS is fast! I'm writing this review and surfing right now with the included chrome browser.
This OS is great for learning about computers. It comes with the gcc C compiler, as well as several other programing languages like Python, Scratch, Greenfoot Java IDE, and more. Plus the board has output Pins and software designed for controlling electronics like robots etc.
For $35.00 for the basic board this is awesome.
I swear that this board with linux based OS is faster then my old Dell 3Ghz ($800.00 in 2000) Pentium CPU running Win 7: yeah that's right. With its HDMI video output, you can use any TV with HDMI as your monitor.
My only complaints so far are that it does not include MP3 player software or X-Windows compiler support out-of-box.
It does include LibreOffice which is MS Office compatible (I loaded an Excel spreadsheet with no problems).
For more info about this board and OS check out Youtube. There are tons of videos on this.
If you know what you are doing you can save some $$ by just buying the board and peripherals al-la-cart, but the kit gives you everything you need to be up and running in 5 minutes! The case is only OK, but you don't need it or can buy another.
There are OS options to turn the Pi board into a media server, and electronic parts kits to do all kinds of electronic builds. For the money, this can't be beat. There are online videos on how to multiboot various OSs from an external SSD.
I LIKE IT!
Mike K
This is a great little package, especially for people buying their first Raspberry Pi or those who don't have a ton of spare parts laying around. For $79.99, you get the latest Pi (Raspberry Pi 3 B+) plus all the accessories you need to get up and running.
Along with the Pi itself, you get two heat sinks and a sleek black case. The jury is still out on whether or not you need to add heat sinks to a Pi, but it can't hurt. The case is snug and looks great, but I was confused when the lid wouldn't snap into place. A quick Google search revealed I'm not the only one confused by this. Unless you're mounting your Pi upside-down, this shouldn't be an issue. The package also comes with a good quality HDMI cable that's long enough for most applications.
Also included is a power adapter and a separate power button that connects inline between the power adapter and the Pi. Traditionally, the only way to power on a Pi is to connect power. The lack of a power button is a real oversight on the Pi in my opinion, which makes this button a convenient addition.
Finally, you get a 32GB micro-SD card that comes pre-loaded with NOOBS. Minimum recommended size is 8GB, so 32GB give you plenty of space for additional software. There's also a small USB adapter for connecting the card to your PC. Personally I prefer the slightly larger ones (this thing will get lost if you don't keep track of it), but it's nice to have.
Each individual part came in its own box and baggie. Most of the boxes (like the heat sinks and the case) have URL links to YouTube videos that show you how to assemble and connect things. CanaKit's website also has some additional videos that cover basic questions.
Users who have a drawer full of HDMI cables, spare SD-Micro cards, and other bits and pieces laying around might not need a package like this one. You might even be able to save a couple of bucks ($5, tops) by buying each part individually through Amazon and assembling your own kit. That being said, for beginner (or even advanced) Pi users looking to make a single purchase and get all the parts needed to get up and running, this kit is a good buy.
Great kit but be ready with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor! At the least to get started, have a TV you'll be able to plug into with the supplied HDMI cable and a USB keyboard. I had a keyboard and mouse I could plug in but I went ahead and bought a little 7" monitor as all the TVs we have are huge flat screens and my only computer monitor is VGA. After I got it setup, I was able to use the keyboard and mouse in Bluetooth mode.
Setup was super easy and worked exactly as the Quick Start guide described. I had no problems with anything fitting into the case as other people have said they did. I bought this knowing nothing about it, intending to use it to learn. So far it's really cool and makes me feel super geeky!
No other rating for a raspberry pi, this kit is ready to plug the board configure and consume. I bought it as retro console for my son, As soon it was delivered I received an email from the seller with some handy info such problems with some Operation Systems, I tried to install recallbox but got a black screen with a flash light in the left upper corner, normally that is a sign of bad function of electric supplier, but thanks to the email I did't waste my time blaming the seller, just installed retropie and everything worked like a charm.
Worked perfectly right out of the box. Amazing how much power there is in such a small device--and for such a low cost.
This is an excellent starter kit. It has everything you need to get started (except for keyboard and mouse) and once you have it up and running, you can decide which additional peripherals you want to add. Well worth the paltry sum it costs. The micro SD card, HDMI cable, power supply, and case would likely cost quite a bit more if you purchased a RPi 3 B+ and these necessities individually.
I had some concerns about the fact that the power brick doesn't have an on-off switch, but after reading reviews of many replacement power supplies that come with inline switches, I understand that the reason this one doesn't is the power drain inherent in adding an inline switch. If I find I really need one, I'll just pick up a powerstrip with a built-in switch to use instead.
Now I just need to get me a book of projects to try out. ;-)
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