Raspberry Pi has raised prices on many Pi 4, Pi 5, and Compute Module models as memory costs surge in 2026, undermining its once-low-cost SBC positioning.
It really depends though, if you want to do analog in or out, relay control, or use existing hats, you are bought/forced into the ecosystem. If you are just using it as a small computer, yeah roll with whatever. To me, it’s always occupied the void between an arduino and a sffpc or when I wanted to do compute and analog/digital control on something.
At that price point, a mini PC. Look at Dell or Lenovo, they make super small form factor computers that will blow a Pi out of the water.
It really depends though, if you want to do analog in or out, relay control, or use existing hats, you are bought/forced into the ecosystem. If you are just using it as a small computer, yeah roll with whatever. To me, it’s always occupied the void between an arduino and a sffpc or when I wanted to do compute and analog/digital control on something.
Or want a computer that can be powered via PoE.
Thanks!