Electronics

Intel Compute Stick fits Windows on a dongle

The Intel Compute Stick offers Windows 8.1 or Ubuntu on a small dongle
The Intel Compute Stick offers Windows 8.1 or Ubuntu on a small dongle

There have been a number of PC-on-a-stick devices released in recent years, but most are powered by ARM processors and manufactured by companies you've never heard of. Not so the Intel Compute Stick, which is different in the sense that it's made by Intel and powered by an Atom Bay Trail processor. Both of which are definite positives.

The Intel Compute Stick is a four-inch-long (10-cm) dongle which transforms (almost) any HDMI display into a computer. It's powered by a quad-core Atom processor, and boasts a USB port, a mini-USB port, a MicroSD slot, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

Intel sees the Compute Stick appealing to both consumers – as a media streaming, web browsing, social networking device – and businesses, as a thin client with remote desktop and plug-and-play capabilities. While it's unlikely to be capable of replacing your main computer, it's certainly capable of handling everyday tasks with aplomb.

There are two versions of the Intel Compute Stick being released. The first comes with Windows 8.1 pre-installed, and boasts 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The second comes with Linux pre-installed (specifically Ubuntu) and offers 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Both are due to be released in March, priced at US$149 and $89, respectively.

Source: Intel via Geek

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4 comments
ProfessorWhat
Sweet candy-bar comps!! That's pretty awesome, I'll definitely keep this on my list for a port-a-PC/replacement for my decade-old tower. But how is it powered?? Also, if they come out with a model with dual microSD slots or regular SD slot then I'll definitely buy one!
Michael Das
this is been out for a while its called meegopad t01 with guess what intel by trail quad core cpu, 32gb rom, 2gb ram, at tabletland.com, playing hearthstone on this thing is priceless
minncush
You have lots of products that you talk about that might come out in the future. Do you have any kind of service attached to an article that tells me when the product is actually available to buy?
Henreid
At Intel's web page for this device you will also find some intriguing fine print, providing this disclaimer:
"This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained."