As with many other devices and gadgets, CES 2015 didn’t cease to amaze as the Intel Compute Stick was one of those jaw-droppers. To put it plainly, the Intel Compute Stick is basically a Windows 8.1 computer built in the encasing of a HDMI 1.4a dongle media streamer, much like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or the Chromecast.
You would be surprised by what can be fitted into such a small package at just $149. The Intel Compute Stick specs feature a quad-core Atom Bay Trail processor, backed up by 2 GB of RAM 32 GB internal storage. The storage capacity can be expanded via the microSD card slot, while connectivity is provided by an USB 2.0. Charging the device will require a micro USB connection with promises from Intel to make the stick fully chargeable via the HDMI connection in the near future. Connectivity on the Intel Compute Stick is provided by a 802.11bgn WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, with an included HDMI extender.
In case Windows 8.1 is not your OS of choice, the company will be also putting up for sale an Ubuntu version of the Intel Compute Stick. The specs on the Ubuntu version will be lower-grade, but at a cheaper price: $89 for 1 GB of RAM and 8GB internal storage. Maybe the specs on either devices are not that great, but fear not because Intel is planning on boosting up the performance. It is rumored that the Intel Compute Stick will benefit from an upgrade to the chip, either a Bay or Cherry trail, and even a Core M… wow!
The Intel Compute Stick might not be the replacement for a work-station or your laptop, but it’s surely nice to have your living room TV packed with basic desktop functionality, especially for such a small amount of cash. The only sizable drawback of the Intel Compute Stick is the single USB port which brings significant limitations. The only way to fit it with a keyboard and mouse is to provide it with an USB hub and that brings yet again limitations, as it will weigh the small device down. The Intel Compute will start hitting the shelves sometime this March and hopefully we will see an upgraded version soon enough. Until then make do with what is given and be glad that we can turn our lame living-room TV into a desktop.