The set of accessories includes an add-on board containing the mSATA interface, intelligent power controller and RTC; the stylish-looking enclosure; a heat sink; a USB Adapter (Micro-Type A); the RTC battery; and “all the necessary spacers and screws”.

You would still need your own display for the linux-pwered system, of course, connecting via the HDMI interface.

element14 writes:

When combined with the Raspberry Pi, the Pi Desktop provides users with all the functionality they would expect from a standard PC, including WiFi, Bluetooth, a real-time clock, an mSATA solid-state drive interface, an optional camera and a power switch (Solid-State Drive and Raspberry Pi Camera purchased separately).

The enhanced capabilities offered by the extended SSD memory capability (up to 1 Tbyte) make the system highly robust and reliable, and give the ability to boot the Raspberry Pi directly from the SSD leads to a high-speed start-up experience for users. The built-in power switch makes the Pi Desktop easy to operate. An intelligent and safe power controller means that users do not have to remove the power adapter from the Pi board; they simply turn the power on or off like a desktop or laptop.

With availability expected from June, it’s priced at £39.99.

Premier Farnell have very close connections to the Raspberry Pi, of course. As well as manufacturing the Raspberry Pi, in South Wales, and working closely with the Raspberry Pi foundation since the launch of the Pi in 2012, it has also developed an ecosystem of accessories around the Pi.

PiTop

I should also mention here the PiTop, which also ‘converts’ your Pi into a more traditional computer format.

For example, the pi-top resembles a laptop with its built in display and extra USB ports, and there’s a tablet like Pi-topCeed.

I should also mention that Ryan Dunwoody, one of the founders of PiTop, is one of the EW BrightSparks who was recently honoured this year.