These days, the Raspberry Pi needs no introduction. From the low-cost Zero models to the larger siblings with four cores, multiple ports, and gigabit Ethernet, the family of mini computers has adapted to the demands of almost every user. The huge catalog of projects available online speaks for itself, but the Raspberry Pi has something more: an official publication called MagPi. Physical editions are a bit harder to come by, but the good news is that all PDFs are available for download, free of charge.
For New Raspberry Pi Owners
Have you bought a Raspberry Pi? First, congratulations, and second, remembering a certain famous hitchhiker's guide, don't be afraid. The mini computer offers a wide range of possibilities, and sometimes we simply don't know where to start. I personally recommend something classic, like a retro game console. The distros focused on that task are already well polished, and the technical details tend to be minor. Among the more advanced projects, magic mirrors stand out, and even Google joined in with a homemade home assistant. The best part? Both were explored in depth in different issues of the MagPi magazine.
A Brief History of MagPi
MagPi was launched in May 2012 as a publication run by volunteers within the community, but in 2015 it moved to the Raspberry Pi Foundation and gained official status. The total number of editions stands at 69, with occasional issues dedicated to programming languages, beginner tutorials, guides aimed at the youngest members of the household, and mini versions translated into several languages (including Spanish). Physical distribution of MagPi is complicated, especially when an issue includes components for certain projects, and we still remember the chaos of edition #40, which gave away a Raspberry Pi Zero. But if you're interested in getting it anyway, don't worry: the magazine can be downloaded from start to finish in PDF format, free of charge and under a Creative Commons license (BY-NC-SA 3.0).
HackSpace: For Makers
Another piece of good news is that MagPi is not alone in this adventure. The HackSpace magazine targets those interested in making, modifying, recycling, and improvising, and the Raspberry Pi is just one of the many resources mentioned there. It also talks about Arduino, 3D printers, wearable devices, and more. You should definitely download a couple of issues from both magazines and see what you can do this weekend. Enjoy!
