Intel Compute Stick Available For Preorder At $149
Back in January, we got a sneak peek at the Intel Compute Stick, a computing device that is comparable to Google Chromecast and the Amazon Fire Stick in that it's a dongle that connects to any HDMI port, but it has horsepower rivaling advanced smartphones. Now, the pocket-sized PC is available for pre-order from select online retailers.
The Intel Compute Stick will bear the promised price tag of $149 for the Windows 8.1 version, and it's also available for $109 with Linux (Ubuntu) installed. These tiny devices are both powered by the Intel Atom Z3735F quad-core processor, come with 32 GB of eMMC storage, and sport 2 GB of RAM.
Connectivity is surprisingly abundant for such a tiny device, with a USB port, a HDMI 1.4a port, a microUSB port, and a microSD slot. If that's not enough of a hook-up, there's Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11b/g/n wireless support.
The Intel Bay Trail processor inside is designed to provide excellent performance with little power, but just in case some users decide to push the Intel Compute Stick to the limit, there's a tiny fan to disperse heat and prevent throttling for heavier computing tasks.
Though you won't be playing World of Warcraft on the Intel Compute Stick anytime soon, these small wonders are designed to provide light productivity and gaming, web browsing, and media streaming for average consumers. They can also serve as a thin client solution for corporate environments.
However, casual gamers should take heart; we may see Intel Compute Sticks become more prevalent as light gaming devices, as Intel hinted that Cherry Trail and Core M processor variants may make their way to market.
The Intel Compute Stick is available for pre-order now on Newegg and Amazon, and it arrives on April 24.
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Derek Forrest was a contributing freelance writer for Tom's Hardware. He covered hardware news and reviews, focusing on gaming desktops and laptops.
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StarBound A retro game emulator in your pocket? Consider me sold. Now I want the release date.Reply -
Chris Droste this far into the year and they're NOT putting Cherry Trail chips in it? is there something wrong with those chips and heat/power or is intel, again being lazy and just raking in more money on whatever tech's laying on the shelf because not enough competition?Reply
i wonder how this would compare to using, say, an nVidia K1-generation chip? -
DookieDraws I have been looking at the Amazon and Roku streaming sticks, but this device would probably be the way to go. Of course it costs a little more, but it'll do everything and more than those streaming sticks. I can't wait to see some reviews on this device.Reply -
shafe88 It would be nice to have a sub-$100 dual core version, or and amd alternative. Something similar to what I came up with a few years ago.Reply
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=ef3f07c7783a9435db965514105122a4 -
elbert I've seen the linux version with specs of 8GB/1GB RAM for $89. Also seen a 16/1GB linux version. Not sure if its just a few variations or this thing is highly customizable. There is also info on a side slot expansion for 128GB storage.Reply -
PaulBags Hmm, all I see on amazon is knock offs. No Intel Compute Sticks for pre-order there...Reply -
DookieDraws Reply15625267 said::)
You go first.
If Intel would kindly send me one, I'd happily accept it and do a review of it. Just for you, of course! :) I mean, it is Intel we're talking about- surely they could spare one, right? :whistle: