Best Uses For Raspberry Pi 3 (2024 Updated)

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The Raspberry Pi 3 is a powerful and versatile single-board computer that has gained immense popularity among hobbyists, educators, and DIY enthusiasts worldwide. With its compact size, low cost, and impressive performance, the Raspberry Pi 3 can be used for a wide range of applications, from simple home automation projects to complex robotics and AI projects.

If you're new to the world of Raspberry Pi, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best uses for your device. With so many possibilities, it's easy to get lost in the sea of options. That's why it's important to consider a few key points before diving in.

First, you should consider your skill level and experience with programming and electronics. Some projects may require advanced knowledge, while others are more beginner-friendly.

Second, think about your budget and the resources you have available. Some projects may require additional components or accessories, which can add to the overall cost.

Third, consider the intended purpose of your project. Are you looking to create a media center, a home security system, or a gaming console? This will help guide you in choosing the right software and components for your project.

Fourth, think about the level of customization and flexibility you want. Some projects may require more tinkering and customization than others.

Finally, consider the community support and resources available for your chosen project. Is there a robust community of users and developers who can offer support and guidance?

By considering these key points, you can narrow down your options and find the best uses for your Raspberry Pi 3. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, there's a project out there for everyone.

10 Best Uses For Raspberry Pi 3

1. Raspad 3.0: All-In-One Raspberry Pi Tablet For Iot, Programming, Gaming, And 3d Printing.

The SunFounder RasPad 3.0 is an all-in-one Raspberry Pi tablet designed for IoT, programming, gaming, and 3D printing projects. It is a portable Raspberry Pi tablet that is perfectly compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B, making it an ideal choice for programmers. Please note that Raspberry Pi is not included in the package.

The RasPad boasts a 10.1 inch IPS touchscreen LCD monitor with a high resolution of 1280*800 pixels, 10-finger touch, and 5-hour battery life, making it easy to assemble in just two steps and go. It is easy to use thanks to its extend, mirror, and rotate capabilities, allowing it to be connected to other monitors and rotated 90°, 180°, and 270° for amazing presentations. Additionally, the triangular structure design and six-axis acceleration sensor allow it to be placed flat or upright on the table.

All Raspberry Pi ports, including Ethernet, HDMI, Audio, USB, and Power, are available on the RasPad, making it easy for developers to have a convenient hardware-hacking experience. With a custom OS, RPi I/O interface, stereo speakers, GPIO extensions, and camera mounting holes, developers can build or install RasPad projects from anywhere with fun daily work.

The RasPad 3.0 tablet is compatible with Arduino, Raspbian, Ubuntu Desktop, Chromium OS, Android, and other platforms. It can be utilized as a tablet to program, a remote controller, and a spare display. Besides programming, the RasPad can also be used to 3D print, play games, build IoT projects, and learn Scratch 3.0.

Compared to other computers, the RasPad 3.0 delivers greater portability and neatness. It features excellent battery management, built-in speakers, rotational use, and cover protection. The package also includes a TF card extension, making it easy to replace micro SD cards without having to remove the back cover.

Overall, the SunFounder RasPad 3.0 is an excellent all-in-one Raspberry Pi tablet that is perfect for developers, programmers, and technology enthusiasts. It is highly portable, easy to use, and compatible with multiple platforms, making it an ideal choice for various applications.

2. Geekworm X850 V3.1 Expansion Board For Raspberry Pi 3 B+/3b, Supports Msata Ssd And Usb3.0 Mobile Hard Disk.

The Geekworm X850 V3.1 mSATA SSD Storage Expansion Board is a highly functional and efficient storage solution designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and Pi 3 Model B. This expansion board supports only mSATA Interface SSD Hard Disk, making it an ideal choice for users who require stable and reliable storage capabilities for their Raspberry Pi projects.

The X850 V3.1 mSATA SSD expansion board supports USB booting from your SSD, allowing users to easily and quickly access their data. It also supports up to 1TB mSATA solid-state drive (SSD), providing ample storage space for a variety of applications.

With high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity, this module enables quick file transfer between your PC or Mac and your Raspberry Pi. Additionally, users can build a mobile hard disk with a mSATA SSD for their Raspberry Pi, allowing them to take their data on the go. When the X850 board is connected with a mSATA SSD, users can use the USB3.0 cable to connect the X850 board with a computer directly as a mobile hard disk.

The X850 V3.1 mSATA SSD expansion board is ultra-compact in size, making it an ideal choice for users with limited space. It is compatible with all Raspberry Pi operating systems, making it a versatile solution that can be used for a variety of projects.

This expansion board is designed to be plug-and-play, ensuring that users can quickly and easily set it up without any additional software or hardware. It is also bus-powered, which means that no additional AC adapter is required.

Overall, the Geekworm X850 V3.1 mSATA SSD Storage Expansion Board is an efficient and reliable storage solution that is ideal for users who require high-speed data transfer capabilities and ample storage space for their Raspberry Pi projects. The user manual can be found on the Geekworm WIKI by searching for "X850".

3. Pisugar 3 Plus: Portable 5000 Mah Ups For Raspberry Pi 3b/3b+/4b (Accessories Only)

The Pisugar 3 Plus Portable 5000 mAh UPS Lithium Battery Power Module Platform is a reliable and convenient accessory for Raspberry Pi 3B/3B+/4B models. This product offers a range of advanced features that enhance the functionality and safety of the Raspberry Pi system.

One of the standout features of the Pisugar 3 Plus is its software watchdog function, which ensures that the Raspberry Pi system runs smoothly and reliably. With this function turned on, the watchdog must be kicked regularly, preventing system crashes and improving overall system reliability.

In addition, the Pisugar 3 Plus offers advanced hardware battery protection, limiting battery voltage to nearly 80% and improving battery cycle life. The product also features quadruple overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and undervoltage protection, ensuring the safety of both the Raspberry Pi and the lithium battery.

The Pisugar 3 Plus uses a pogo pin design to connect with the Raspberry Pi from the back, freeing up GPIO pins and ensuring compatibility with other GPIO devices. The product also offers full UPS functions and multiple awakening methods to meet various project needs.

Communicating with the Raspberry Pi through the I2C interface, the Pisugar 3 Plus is compatible with most I2C devices. The I2C communication address can also be customized to avoid conflicts with other I2C devices.

In summary, the Pisugar 3 Plus Portable 5000 mAh UPS Lithium Battery Power Module Platform is a feature-packed accessory for Raspberry Pi 3B/3B+/4B models, offering advanced software and hardware protection, convenient pogo pin design, and full UPS functionality. With its multiple awakening methods and customizable I2C communication address, the Pisugar 3 Plus is a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of Raspberry Pi projects.

4. Saffun 2.4ghz Wireless Usb Controller For Snes Games – Compatible With Windows Pc, Mac, Linux, Genesis, Raspberry Pi, And Retropie.

The 2 Pack 2.4 GHz Wireless USB Controller Compatible with SNES Games is a great choice for anyone looking for a classic gaming experience. The SAFFUN SNES Retro USB PC Super Classic Controller is designed to work seamlessly with Windows PC, MAC, Linux, Genesis, Raspberry Pi, and Retropie. It features multicolored keys that add a touch of retro charm to your gaming setup.

The controller offers advanced 2.4 GHz wireless RF connectivity, providing a range of up to 10 meters. The setup is simple and straightforward. It is a generic USB controller that uses a standard USB port. If your program or application accepts USB controller input, there is no additional setup involved when using the remote controller – just plug and play. Simply plug in the Unifying receiver, and you're ready to go. The super-sensitive buttons provide precision control, ensuring an immersive gaming experience.

The SAFFUN SNES Retro USB PC Super Classic Controller is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows 98, ME, Vista, 2000, 2003, XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10; Linux UBUNTU, Linux Mint, Android Linux (via a USB OTG cable); Mac OS X and beyond; and Retrogaming operating systems: RetroPie, Recalbox, Happi Game Center, Lakka, ChameleonPi, Piplay.

It supports various devices with USB storage, including PC, notebook computer, laptop computer, Android smartphone (connect via a USB OTG cable), and Raspberry Pi (RPI, Raspberry pie), such as Raspberry Pi 1 Model B, Model A, Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+, Raspberry Pi Zero, Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Raspberry Pi 3, Retro Pie. Note that it does not support Android TV BOX.

The SAFFUN SNES Retro USB PC Super Classic Controller is compatible with various game emulators, including NES, SNES, Snes9x, ZSNES, Higan, Handheld GBA emulator, Sega Genesis emulator, Sega OpenEmu (Only support OS X), RetroArch (Works perfect on Android), BSNES (Perfect for two-player action).

The Wireless SNES Controller has an extended battery life of up to 3 years, thanks to its 240mA battery capacity. The charging time is only 1 hour, and the usage time is 3 hours. There is a battery level indicator to alert you when it's time to recharge.

Overall, the SAFFUN SNES Retro USB PC Super Classic Controller is an excellent choice for gamers who want a classic gaming experience. It offers a simple setup, advanced wireless connectivity, and compatibility with various operating systems and devices.

5. Geekpi's Raspberry Pi 4 8gb Starter Kit Includes A 64gb Edition, A Case With A Pwm Fan, An 18w 5v 3.6a Power Supply With An On/off Switch, And Hdmi Cables For The Raspberry Pi 4b (8gb Ram).

The GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Starter Kit – 64GB Edition is a comprehensive package that includes everything you need to get started with your Raspberry Pi 4 project. This kit is specifically designed for users who require a high-performance Raspberry Pi with 8GB of RAM. The kit contains a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with a 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU, which provides excellent performance for your projects.

The Raspberry Pi 4B case included in this kit features a super quiet 40mm PWM fan and four heatsinks that ensure good heat dissipation for the Raspberry Pi 4B. This feature is particularly important for users who will be using their Raspberry Pi for extended periods. The case also protects the Raspberry Pi from dust and other external factors.

The kit's power supply is a 5V 3.6A Type C Power Supply that ensures the Raspberry Pi works more stably. This power supply has an ON/OFF switch, making it convenient for users to power on and off their Raspberry Pi 4. The power supply also has professional certifications, including TUV, and RoHS Certification. The input of the power supply is 100-240V AC~50/60Hz, and its output is 5V 3.6A. The extended cord for the power supply is 120cm long.

The 64GB High-Speed Class 10 Card included in the kit comes with a card reader and can work with all versions of Raspberry Pi. This card provides sufficient storage space for your Raspberry Pi projects.

The package includes one Raspberry Pi 4B (8GB RAM), one Raspberry Pi 4B Case, one Cooling Fan, four Aluminum Heatsinks, one 5V 3.6A Power Supply, one 64GB SD Card (with Card Reader), and two 4K HDMI Cables. The kit provides users with everything they need to get started with their Raspberry Pi 4B project.

In conclusion, the GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Starter Kit – 64GB Edition is an excellent package that contains everything users need to get started with their Raspberry Pi project. The kit provides high-performance, stability, and sufficient storage space. The package's components are of high quality and have professional certifications, making it a reliable and safe option for users.

6. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2019 Quad Core 64 Bit Wifi Bluetooth (4gb)

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2019 Quad Core 64 Bit WiFi Bluetooth (4GB) is a powerful single-board computer that offers advanced features and capabilities for various applications. It is equipped with a Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC running at 1.5GHz, providing exceptional processing power and performance.

The device comes with 4GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM, ensuring smooth and efficient multitasking and processing of data. It also features 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11B/g/n/ac Wireless LAN and Bluetooth 5.0, enabling seamless connectivity and communication with other devices and networks.

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has double-true Gigabit Ethernet, providing fast and reliable wired connectivity options. It also has 2 USB 3.0 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports, allowing for easy connection to external devices and peripherals.

The device features 2 micro HDMI ports that support up to 4Kp60 video resolution, making it ideal for multimedia applications such as media centers and digital signage. It also has 2-lane MIPI DSI/CSI ports for camera and display, enabling users to create custom video and imaging applications.

For audio and video output, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has a 4-pole stereo audio and composite video port, offering clear and high-quality sound and video output. It also has a micro SD card slot for loading the operating system and data storage, providing ample storage options for various applications.

The device requires 5.1V, 3A power via USB Type C or gpio-poep (power over Ethernet) enabled (requires PoE hat-not included), providing flexible power options for various setups and environments.

Overall, the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2019 Quad Core 64 Bit WiFi Bluetooth (4GB) is a versatile and powerful single-board computer that offers advanced features and capabilities for various applications, from multimedia and gaming to industrial automation and IoT.

7. Laplink Pcmover Ultimate 11: Transfers Apps, Files & Settings From Old To New Pc With Ethernet Cable (1 Use)

Laplink PCmover Ultimate 11 is the ultimate solution for transferring all your applications, files, and settings from an old PC to a new one. It includes an optional Ethernet cable that makes the transfer process even smoother.

The software is incredibly easy to use. Simply install PCmover on both your old and new computers and follow the simple wizard to transfer everything you select to your new PC. The software is optimized for fastest transfer, ensuring maximum performance and time savings. You'll quickly be using your new PC with everything ready to go.

One of the key features of Laplink PCmover Ultimate 11 is its complete selectivity. It automatically transfers all selected applications, files, folders, settings, and user profiles to your new PC. This ensures that everything important is transferred, and nothing is left behind.

The software also includes an undo feature, which allows you to quickly reverse changes made to your new PC if you change your mind or want to re-do the transfer with different selections. This ensures that you have complete control over the transfer process and can make changes as needed.

Overall, Laplink PCmover Ultimate 11 is the ideal solution for anyone looking to transfer all their applications, files, and settings from an old PC to a new one. It's incredibly easy to use, optimized for fastest transfer, and includes complete selectivity and an undo feature. With this software, you can be sure that everything important is transferred, and your new PC is ready to go in no time.

8. Elecrow Crowpi Advanced Raspberry Pi Learning Kit With Sensors.

The ELECROW Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4 3 b 3b+ 4b+ Kit is an advanced version of the Raspberry Pi 4 model B starter kit that is designed to facilitate learning programming with sensors. With this kit, users can use the Raspberry Pi 4, 3B, 3B+, 2, and more on the Crowpi platform, which includes the Raspberry Pi 4 4GB.

The Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4 programming kit is equipped with 19 different sensors in a tidy and easy-to-use package, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn programming without the hassle of wiring things. The kit's sensors include a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, a flame sensor, an infrared remote receiver, and more.

The build quality of the Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4 learning kit is top-notch, with a solid ABS shell and well-made components that make it strong and convenient to travel with. Whether you're on the go or working from home, this kit is perfect for learning programming and experimenting with sensors.

The Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4 learning kit ships with step-by-step instructions and provides 21 lessons to take users through identifying components, reading code, and running it in the terminal. The programming lessons are designed to be easy to follow, even for beginners, and cover a wide range of topics, including Python programming, GPIO, and sensor programming.

Overall, the ELECROW Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4 3 b 3b+ 4b+ Kit is an excellent tool for learning programming and experimenting with sensors. Its high-quality build, easy-to-use interface, and comprehensive programming lessons make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced programmers alike.

Best Uses For Raspberry Pi 3 FAQs

Can a Raspberry Pi 3 be used as a media center or streaming device?

Yes, a Raspberry Pi 3 can be used as a media center or streaming device. With the right software, it can be transformed into a powerful media center capable of streaming content from various sources, including online streaming services, local storage, and network shares. The most popular software for this purpose is Kodi, a free and open-source media player software that can be installed on the Raspberry Pi 3. Kodi supports a wide range of formats and codecs, making it a versatile choice for playing different types of media. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi 3 can be used as a streaming device by installing software such as Plex or Emby, which allow users to access their media library remotely from other devices such as smartphones or tablets. Overall, the Raspberry Pi 3 is a cost-effective and versatile solution for media center and streaming needs.

How can I use a Raspberry Pi 3 to create a home automation system?

Using a Raspberry Pi 3 to create a home automation system is a cost-effective and efficient way to control and monitor your home devices remotely. You will need to connect the Raspberry Pi to your home network and install the necessary software to enable it to communicate with your devices. You can use a range of programming languages to create custom scripts that control your devices and automate tasks such as turning on lights, adjusting thermostats, and activating alarms. You can also use pre-built solutions such as OpenHAB or Home Assistant to create a user-friendly interface to control your devices. You can add sensors and cameras to your Raspberry Pi to monitor your home's environment and security. Finally, it is important to consider security measures such as firewalls and encrypted connections to ensure the safety and privacy of your home network.

How can I use a Raspberry Pi 3 to learn programming and coding skills?

The Raspberry Pi 3 is an excellent tool to learn programming and coding skills. The device is affordable, portable, and highly versatile. To get started, you can begin by installing an operating system such as Raspbian, which comes with pre-installed programming tools like Python, Scratch, and Java. You can also connect the Raspberry Pi to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to create a complete workstation.

Once your Raspberry Pi is set up, you can start learning programming languages like Python, which is widely used in data science, web development, and artificial intelligence. You can also learn coding through projects, such as building a weather station, creating a robot, or developing a game. The Raspberry Pi community offers a wealth of resources, including tutorials, forums, and projects, to help you learn and develop your coding skills. With the Raspberry Pi 3, you have an affordable and powerful tool to learn programming and coding skills, whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner.

What are some fun projects to do with a Raspberry Pi 3?

Raspberry Pi 3 is a versatile and affordable mini-computer that can be used for a variety of fun projects. Here are some ideas:

1) Retro gaming console: Install RetroPie and turn your Raspberry Pi into a retro gaming console to play classic games from the past.

2) Media center: Install Kodi or Plex and use your Raspberry Pi as a media center to stream movies, TV shows, and music.

3) Home automation: Use your Raspberry Pi to control lights, temperature, and other home appliances using software like Home Assistant.

4) Weather station: Build a weather station with your Raspberry Pi by adding sensors for temperature, humidity, and pressure to monitor weather conditions.

5) Robot projects: Build a robot with your Raspberry Pi by adding motors, sensors, and a camera to create a functioning robot.

Overall, Raspberry Pi 3 offers endless possibilities for fun and creative projects that can be customized to your interests and skill level.

What are some practical applications for a Raspberry Pi 3?

The Raspberry Pi 3 is a versatile and affordable computer that can be used for a wide range of practical applications. Some of the most common uses for the Raspberry Pi 3 include creating media centers, building home automation systems, and setting up network storage solutions. It can also be used to build retro gaming consoles, run web servers, and program robots.

In addition, the Raspberry Pi 3 is a popular tool for education and research, as it allows students and researchers to experiment with programming, electronics, and robotics. It can be used to teach programming languages like Python and Scratch, as well as to explore topics such as machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Overall, the Raspberry Pi 3 is a powerful and flexible tool that can be used in a variety of practical applications, making it a popular choice for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike.

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