READY! Is Developing Model 100, a Raspberry Pi-Compatible System
READY! claims the Model 100 can be used by gamers, hackers, systems admin, music makers, radio operators, and technicians.
READY! is developing the Model 100 single-board computer expansion system compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4 that’s expected to be sold as a kit for $400. Meanwhile, the x86 Founders Edition should sell for $899. Prices may drop if there is more interest in these devices. It looks good… I imagine quite a bit of interest.
Comprised of an extruded aluminum enclosure that can last for years, the Model 100 is big enough to accommodate any single-board computer (SBC). The Model 100 chassis has enough space to fit three small 1920x480 resolution HDMI touchscreens along with an RGB mechanical 64% keyboard that has full-size Cherry MX compatible key switches. The IPS 8.8” “3xVGA” HDMI touchscreen can be used as the primary or secondary display. READY! Model 100 even comes in two colors: “Cyberpunk Black” and “Retropunk Silver.”
The renders show that the SBC ports are broken into industrial-style connectors in the back, but this could easily be adjusted when the final product is released. It also contains HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and four SMA antenna ports, which allow for high gain antennas. It features a 10W stereo speaker system. The Model 100 can be powered via a 5V/3A supply or a 12V supply, depending on the selected SBC. There is also space for internal batteries and an SSD. Additionally, there are 12 Universal D-Panel Port mounts for outputs/inputs like ¼” to XLR to RCA, RS-232, etc.
Model 100 is compatible with the hardware that uses 5V or 12V of power input. This includes smartphones, or arm or x86 SBC’s like a Raspberry Pi 4, and compact motherboard following NUC, 4x5, 5x5, or Nano/Pico ITX form factors. All the mounting holes found on the bottom are for standard-sized motherboards.
READY! says the Model 100 expansion system is OS-agnostic. However, it may not function with all boards due to the unusual 1920x480 HDMI resolution. The company plans on offering the open source READY! OS based on Debian Linux and claims the Model 100 is perfect for systems admin, hackers, technicians, music makers, gamers, and radio operators.