“Raspberry Pi 5: A Beginner's First Impressions
I'm approaching the Raspberry Pi 5 review from a unique, beginner's perspective: I'm very new to this specific technology and am still learning to code efficiently, mainly focusing on Kotlin, Compose Multiplatform (Mobile), and Python. My goal with the Pi 5 isn't advanced networking or intensive computing (yet!), but to use it as a powerful, affordable platform for physical computing and honing my basic-coding skills.
This review reflects the experience of someone coming from a minimal background in what is, I'm reliably informed, Single-Board Computers (SBCs).
First Impressions & Setup (Beginner-Friendly Experience):
Setting up the Raspberry Pi 5 was surprisingly smooth, thanks to the official Raspberry Pi Imager tool. The process of installing the operating system, Raspberry Pi OS, onto the MicroSD card was simple and straightforward.
Positive:
The official setup process is well-documented and feels almost like setting up a regular desktop computer, which is reassuring for a newcomer.
A Beginner's Tip:
Buy the Kit! While the setup process itself was straightforward, I was thankful I purchased a complete starter kit. This meant I had the official power supply, a proper case with integrated cooling (fan/heatsinks), and the MicroSD card included.
Crucial Cooling Note:
Even with the official cooling solution included in the kit, the unit can still get warm under use. I quickly learned that for any sustained activity, a fan or active cooling is strongly recommended. For other beginners, I strongly advise buying a kit that includes active cooling to save time and potential frustration.
Performance: Overkill in a Good Way
The performance of the Pi 5 is a significant upgrade from previous models. While an experienced user might test this with demanding projects, my "beginner" use case involves relatively simple tasks, and the Pi 5 handles them with ease.
As a Desktop PC: It works perfectly well for basic web browsing, word processing, and using the built-in programming environment. I haven't encountered any noticeable lag when running Thonny (the Python IDE) or having a couple of tabs open. For a beginner who is used to a standard desktop experience, this responsiveness is excellent and removes technical frustration.
The Power Button! This is a small feature, but for someone new, the addition of a physical Power Button is fantastic. It makes turning the device on and off much cleaner and less intimidating than having to pull the power cable every time (which I had read about for older models).
Learning and Coding Experience
This is where the Raspberry Pi 5 truly shines for a beginner like myself. The raw power means I can focus entirely on the code and the project, not troubleshooting performance limits.
GPIO Pins (The Fun Part): The 40-pin GPIO header is the main attraction for learning physical computing. Even with my limited coding ability, I've already started exploring simple projects like:
• Blinking an LED with a basic Python script.
• Reading input from a push button.
• Setting up a traffic light simulator.
Coding: Because the Pi 5 runs a full desktop OS and supports languages like Python and C++, I can use the same code editors and resources I use on my main machine. This seamless transition is incredibly helpful for a beginner learning to code efficiently. The sheer number of beginner-friendly project tutorials available online for the Pi ecosystem (like those for creating a Pi-Hole ad-blocker or a retro gaming console) gives me a clear path to learn new concepts.
Conclusion: Is it worth it for a Beginner?
Absolutely. The Raspberry Pi 5 is powerful enough that it won't be a limiting factor as my skills grow. For a beginner who is learning to code and wants to dive into physical computing, the speed, stability, and future-proofing of the Pi 5 make it an excellent choice. It handles my current simple projects effortlessly, and I know it has the muscle to tackle more ambitious things like home automation or AI projects once I've mastered the basics. It’s a powerful, non-frustrating platform for practical learning.
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You can check out a detailed video guide on getting started with the Raspberry Pi 5, including installation steps for the OS, which is great for new users. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtLyX72-688”
“I decided to order the Pi 5 starter kit to add an ARM64 node to my home Kubernetes cluster as I'm studying for my CKA exam, Kit arrived the next day, very well packaged. Managed to boot it up headless and have it join my kubernetes cluster within an hour. Super pleased.”
