The super-versatile Raspberry Pi 4 

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One of the things I love about using a Raspberry Pi is that there are a lot of accessories out there for this single board computer (commonly known as "SBC").

Also: How I solved one of my biggest Raspberry Pi headaches

If you can think it, it probably exists.

There are screens and cases and all sorts of add-on circuit boards (called HATs, short for Hardware Attached on Top) that enable you to do things like add ports to connect hard drives or even monitor the weather.

In fact, nowadays it's easier -- much easier -- to find accessories for a Raspberry Pi than it is to find actual Raspberry Pis unless you're willing to pay a big premium (thanks "supply chain issues"!).

Also: Raspberry Pi: Where to buy the hard-to-find latest model and its alternatives

So, if you're lucky enough to have a Raspberry Pi or three laying around, check out my top three favorite accessories. 

5-inch Touchscreen 800x480 TFT LCD Display

Amazon

I used to think that I didn't need a display for my Raspberry Pi.

I was wrong.

Nothing has upleveled my Raspberry Pi experience more than adding a 5-inch touchscreen to the equation. Here the 800x480 pixel display gives me a good view of the system, and the touchscreen means I can do away with needing a mouse.

The kit comes with everything you need to attach the touchscreen to your Raspberry Pi.

This one works on the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, 3B+, 3B, and 2B+.

View now at Amazon

UPS Power Supply Uninterruptible UPS HAT

Amazon

Get this, add a couple of 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and you have a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for your Raspberry Pi.

Now, when the power goes off, the batteries kick in and keep your Raspberry Pi running until you can figure out what's wrong. Once the power is restored, the batteries will recharge, ready for the next power drop.

This one works on the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, 3B+, and 3B. If you want something similar for the Raspberry Pi Zero, then a HAT like this is a good choice. 

View now at Amazon

Panda Wireless PAU06 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter

Amazon

While the Raspberry Pi 3 and above come with built-in Wi-Fi, I've found that sometimes I need a better Wi-Fi adapter, either because I need one that supports advanced features such as monitor and injection modes (especially useful when I run Kali Linux on a Raspberry Pi), or I need to put the antenna somewhere different to the Raspberry Pi to get a better signal.

I've also had good success with the ALFA Network AWUS036ACS network dongle .

View now at Amazon

Also: I'm running my own Mastodon server on a Raspberry Pi. Here's what I've learned

Honorable mentions

Here are a few more cool Raspberry Pi accessories you could take a look at to round off your project.

Official Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Power Supply

$8 at Walmart

Raspberry Pi 4 Case

$11.99 at Amazon

Sense HAT environmental sensor board

$29.99 at Amazon

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