The Intel Compute Stick is the smallest windows computer ever to be launched in the market. Just about the size of a USB pen drive intel computer promises to be a fully power-packed computer. Despite its deceptively small size, simply plug it into an HDMI monitor or your high-definition TV and you have a Windows computer running on it.
Intel Compute Stick
Intel Compute Stick is available with online retailers for some time now. Its small size makes it useful for people with limited office space and it’s a good replacement for their old outdated computer. Powered by Windows 8.1, it will also get free windows 10 upgrade on July 29 2015 like other windows 8 devices that will be offered an upgrade on that date.
During the first installation, it will install Windows and once it is done, it is mostly plug-and-play. It is a fully functional Windows computer. Simply attach a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you need nothing else to run Windows on your monitor or HDTV.
The specifications are similar to any average powered computer. It is powered by an Intel Atom Quad-Core processor and has 2GB soldered single-channel DDR3L RAM. It has a limited 32GB Flash storage but has a Micro SD card slot for expanding it with additional storage.
The device connects via HDMI to the TV and features Intel HD Graphics for a vibrant viewing experience. It has 1 USB 2.0 slot, which is a limitation in case you want to attach many USB accessories, in which case you need a USB port hub. It draws power from the MicroUSB slot (and not HDMI which you might expect) which needs to be connected to a power supply. It has Bluetooth 4 and Wifi support as well.
You may Buy Intel Compute Stick Windows from Amazon.com for $151. It is selling right now on Flipkart for Rs 9999 as well.
Rise of Computers-on-Sticks
A new change is happening which will radically change the PC market. Windows is moving to the stick size and the days of the bulky desktop are soon going to be over. Who thought the computer can now be put in your pocket?
Lenovo has announced a similar $130 stick computer called Ideacenter Stick 300 to be launched soon and will have similar specs. Many other manufacturers have lined up products to fire up this category and soon you might have a large competition in this price range.
If you remember Chromebit is also going to be launched soon, and is the Google challenger to the Compute stick in a similar size. It will package the Chrome OS into a small stick and is eagerly awaited. After buying the Chromebook and Chromebox, it will be my third Chrome device!