Intel Compute Stick: TV, Meet Windows 8.1

Intel might be on to something here with their latest peripheral for the home – known as the Intel Compute Stick. What looks like a fancy USB flash drive is actually a really, really small computing device. Do not let its diminutive looks fool you – as it packs enough punch to run Windows 8.1 apps on your TV, now how about that? This is made possible through the inclusion of a quad-core Atom processor in the Compute Stick (hence its name), where it is accompanied by 32GB of internal memory alongside 2GB RAM.

Oh yeah, I must also not fail to mention the presence of a USB port, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, a mini-USB connector for power, with plans being drawn up for HDMI power in due time. Intel has positioned the Compute Stick to be a really, really low-priced computer with its $149 price tag, and who knows, it might even catch on in due time to be a thin-client device for select companies. Those who would like to pick up the Windows version will have to fork out $149 a pop, but if all of that seems a wee bit excessive, then spending $89 will net you a Linux-powered version which has far more modest specifications – just a mere 1GB RAM to keep the 8GB of internal memory company.

Regardless, you will be able to choose from either one later this March. [Press Release]

Edwin Kee
Categories: Computers
Tags: compute stick, Intel