The Raspberry Pi 4 has experienced a significant price surge in recent months due to persistent stock shortages. Despite a gradual decrease in price, it remains relatively expensive. However, a new alternative called Project Cottonwood has been introduced by Libre Computer at an astonishingly low price point.
The market offers a wide array of Single Board Computers (SBCs), which are known for integrating all components onto a single board. These SBCs serve as excellent options for enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and individuals seeking affordable computer solutions or inexpensive multimedia setups.
The issue of stock scarcity, intensified by the ongoing pandemic, has notably affected the Raspberry Pi 4 with 8GB RAM. The abnormal circumstances have caused its price to skyrocket to 200 euros, doubling its original launch price. Fortunately, the CEO of the company, Eben Upton, has confirmed that the price is now beginning to decline as stock levels increase.
This is the new “milkweed” plate
Libre Computer recently made an exciting announcement on social media, introducing their new SBCs (Single Board Computers) that have caught the attention of many. These boards are named “Project Cottonwood,” a playful name derived from their distinct all-white appearance.
This China-based company has developed an alternative to the popular SBCs currently on the market. According to their promotional materials, the Project Cottonwood SBCs are claimed to be twice as powerful as the Raspberry Pi 4, although some skepticism remains.
As per the advertisement, the smaller variant, called “Little Cottonwood,” is expected to be priced around $45, while the larger model, known as “Big Cottonwood,” is anticipated to be priced around $70. However, specific details regarding their specifications have not been disclosed by the company.
Some social media users have inquired about the processor, which is concealed beneath a passive heatsink. Although the company has acknowledged the presence of an ARMv6 SoC (System-on-Chip), no further information has been provided.
Based on the published images, a few details can be deduced. The SBCs feature a full HDMI port for video output. Additionally, there is a CSI connector for a camera, a DSI connector for a display, and a 40-pin GPIO connector visible. Two USB 3.0 ports can be observed, distinguished by their blue color. The power input appears to be through a USB-C connector, as shown in the image.
Real alternative to Raspberry?
The Project Cottonwood SBCs are positioned as replacements for the current Le Potato boards offered by the Chinese company. These Le Potato boards compete with the Raspberry Pi and are available with 1 GB and 2 GB of RAM, serving as alternatives to the Raspberry Pi 3. Speculating based on this pattern, it is possible that the Project Cottonwood boards may offer options with 2 GB and 4 GB of RAM, depending on the pricing details provided.
It is worth noting that the Raspberry Pi 4 with 8 GB of RAM was initially priced at 100 euros during its launch. Therefore, it seems unlikely that an 8 GB version would be available for $70. While it is a possibility, it should be considered that the RAM chips may not be the most modern or highest quality at that price point.
Furthermore, it is challenging to believe the claim of double the power in comparison to the Raspberry Pi, given that the Pi 4 has been available for a considerable amount of time and newer processors have since been developed. The true capabilities of the Project Cottonwood SBCs will only be known once they are released and thoroughly tested.