Wednesday, April 22nd 2015

Intel Compute Stick Now Available

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Apr 22nd, 2015 11:20 Discuss (79 Comments)

The Intel Compute Stick, a new pocket-sized computer based on a quad-core Intel Atom processor running Windows 8.1 with Bing, is available now through Intel Authorized Dealers for much of the world.

The Intel Compute Stick can transform any HDMI display into an entry computer capable of working with productivity apps, playing local or streamed content, driving basic digital signage or enabling thin clients. It will support Wireless 802.11 b/g/n, a microSD card for expandable memory, MicroUSB power supply and Bluetooth 4.0 for keyboard and mouse.

The Windows version, available now, is expected to retail starting at $149. A Linux version with Ubuntu, available this summer, is expected to retail for $110.

Online etailers such as Amazon, Newegg, BestBuy, and others are expected to carry the product. More information can be found in our broadcast video gallery and on the Intel Compute Stick website.

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79 Comments on Intel Compute Stick Now Available

#26

xvi

I'm actually fairly interested in these things. I've played with an original Surface Pro and was pretty surprised how powerful (considering the low power) it was. $150 is a bit more than I'd hope for one of these, but it could be worse.

Performance per dollar isn't bad, judging by a review of a similar device running the same processor. The Zotac Zbox (Core i5 4200U) in the review goes for $480 and the Acer Veriton (Core i5-3337U) goes for $580. While both systems are more than twice as fast as the Compute Stick, they come at three and four times the price.

Edit: There's a really nice review by Gizmodo on this. Sounds like it's actually not all that great.

#27

TheinsanegamerN

I wonder why they didnt use cherry trail? it is already shipping in the surface 3, and would have been better in every way. leftover stock, perhaps?

#28

I'm amazed by the ignorance I see in the comments above. This is not a replacement for a laptop, netbook, tablet, or games machine. It's a media streamer with extended capabilities, a kiosk/signaling computer, or a thin client for "dumb" displays.

Also, Windows with Bing is a non-issue here, for $150 you get a FULL version of Windows, which is not a small thing, especially for companies that could buy them by the thousands.

#29

theonedub

habe fidem

When the Windows version goes on sale for $99, I'll pick one up to play with.

#30

Deelron

scI'm amazed by the ignorance I see in the comments above. This is not a replacement for a laptop, netbook, tablet, or games machine. It's a media streamer with extended capabilities, a kiosk/signaling computer, or a thin client for "dumb" displays.

Except from the reviews (particularly the connectivity it provides) it's poor for use as media streamer, so you're really down to a single application display use or a marginally cheaper thin client for dumb displays that's even easier to steal in a non home environment then a regular VESA mounted machine. Pass.

#31

Caring1

Franzen4RealI would like to try one of these as a streaming device. I wonder if the 8.1 with Bing SKU is eligible for the free Win 10 upgrade. I only see the 7/8.1 enterprise versions as excluded on the MS site, but already being a free OS to manufacturers makes me wonder.

And if it is upgradeable, will Bing still function in Project Spartan once that replaces IE?
My thoughts were Spartan was meant to be an all encompassing Browser, search engine etc.

#32

Mussels

Freshwater Moderator

those prices seem a little optimistic, considering what they're advertised for down under

#33

matar

For $149 with windows 8.1 and take your PC with you in your pocket anywhere and to any tv wow that's the best tech of the year (for me) I am buying one.

#34

DeelronExcept from the reviews (particularly the connectivity it provides) it's poor for use as media streamer, so you're really down to a single application display use or a marginally cheaper thin client for dumb displays that's even easier to steal in a non home environment then a regular VESA mounted machine. Pass.

What are you talking about? What connectivity are you exactly missing? People are using Raspberry PIs for media streaming, or first generation NUCs, and everything works just fine.

#35

RCoon

This runs Windows 8.1 with Bing, and is also classed under the "low powered netbook/tablet" classification. As such, it only costs intel $1 for a Windows license under Microsoft's new Windows Technology Access Program.

In other words, Intel is ripping you off by charging any more than $1 for the Windows version over the Linux version.

I know this, because we use the Microsoft Technology Access Program to get $1 licenses for our low end portable machines.

#36

neliz

RCoonI know this, because we use the Microsoft Technology Access Program to get $1 licenses for our low end portable machines.

That's a different program. This is still a single end-user license for low-power devices and even at a discount price, it will set you back around $30 on a regular PC, the tablet/notebook version is about half that price.

#37

remixedcat

I want one of these for a PRTG monitor display for a dumb TV. it;s tiny and good enough to bring up a PRTG window in chrome, full screen it. and boom.

Beats having to have my craptop busted asser hooked up behind my rca LCD TV for that.

#38

RCoonIn other words, Intel is ripping you off by charging any more than $1 for the Windows version over the Linux version.

Yeah... no.

You would be right if the Linux version would have the same specs as the Windows one, but it doesn't. It has only 1 GB of RAM and only 8 GB of storage.

#39

Caring1

Musselsthose prices seem a little optimistic, considering what they're advertised for down under

Nah, that's normal rip off prices we get here.
Doesn't seem fair to pay almost double.

#40

wickedcricket

TheGuruStudThe funny is that M$ won't give up.

via Imgflip Meme Maker

I find it funny how people are super ignorant and full of shite and block themselves from accepting the fact that Bing already happened.

#41

Caring1

wickedcricketI find it funny how people are super ignorant and full of shite and block themselves from accepting the fact that Bing already happened.

Shit happens if you choose to let it happen.
Personally I never use bing and never will.

#42

Lizard

I got enthusiastic, until after reading gizmodo's rewiev.
Seems Intel didnt think it entirely trough.... TBH I see no point in getting it for any other reason than its size and portability. For streaming - my Chromecast does its job in 100%, paired with my Nexus5 and network NAS it cast or mirron anything I want for 30 euro total. If I need something powerful - I'd go for Gigabyte Brix, that is still much cheaper than Intel's device if you have spare parts around (SSD drive and RAM).
Why bother than?

#43

Uplink10

Why I will not buy it:
-because Ubuntu version will be released in June, Windows version is available now
-Ubuntu version has 1GB memory and only 8GB eMMC memory, Windows version has 2GB memory and 32 GB eMMC

#44

wickedcricket

Caring1Shit happens if you choose to let it happen.
Personally I never use bing and never will.

Wtf are you talking about now? What happened? What shit? What do I have to choose? I don't see a point in your comment.

Personally I don't care what you use and what you never will. The fact is that you probably haven't even tried it and you are one of those moaners: ah Win 7 is so much better than Win 8.1 and I won't do an upgrade to Win 10 because I want to show the world how am I against MS.

Do yourself a favor use Bing for a week, I fucking dare you!

#45

neliz

wickedcricketDo yourself a favor use Bing for a week, I fucking dare you!

I think the reason most people don't use bing is because they have tried it (thanks to all the ad-ware like plugging in DirectX etc.) Bing translation is horrible (see facebook) and on Bing, if I type "instagram" and my GF's account name, I don't get her instagram profile. While Google gives me the link and cached pages of it as a first hit.

Same reason I cannot use DuckDuckGo, it is so limited and flunky when it comes to its search results, it's amazing people can actually advocate it.

But we are digressing, talking about Bing in a ComputeStick thread.

#46

Frick

Fishfaced Nincompoop

TheGuruStudNo, b/c they're spending loads of cash promoting it.

So you agree they're getting bigger.

RCoonIn other words, Intel is ripping you off by charging any more than $1 for the Windows version over the Linux version.

Also the Windows version has twice the RAM and 4 times the storage.

#47

Naito

Caring1Shit happens if you choose to let it happen.
Personally I never use bing and never will.

Contrary to my previous post, in which I was taking a playful jab at the irony of people trusting Google's business practices over Microsoft, I use primarily use Google as my search engine, not just out of habit, but also due to the fact it is slightly more refined and familiar. Bing is by no means bad, in fact it has impressed me on numerous occasions.

Some food for thought: Google's primary source of income is ad revenue. Microsoft's primary income is software revenue. Which company has higher stakes on the information you share with them? Who would you like handling your private data?

nelizI think the reason most people don't use bing is because they have tried it (thanks to all the ad-ware like plugging in DirectX etc.) Bing translation is horrible (see facebook) and on Bing, if I type "instagram" and my GF's account name, I don't get her instagram profile. While Google gives me the link and cached pages of it as a first hit.

Same reason I cannot use DuckDuckGo, it is so limited and flunky when it comes to its search results, it's amazing people can actually advocate it.

But we are digressing, talking about Bing in a ComputeStick thread.

This. Google currently is much more intuitive and user-friendly at the moment. Just a much more comprehensive package.

#48

Easy Rhino

Linux Advocate

What is this? A PC for ants?

#49

newtekie1

Semi-Retired Folder

DeelronExcept from the reviews (particularly the connectivity it provides) it's poor for use as media streamer, so you're really down to a single application display use or a marginally cheaper thin client for dumb displays that's even easier to steal in a non home environment then a regular VESA mounted machine. Pass.

Um, read the reviews again. It worked just fine as a media streamer. The wireless was too slow for games streaming, not media streaming.

LizardFor streaming - my Chromecast does its job in 100%, paired with my Nexus5 and network NAS it cast or mirron anything I want for 30 euro total.

The problem with Chromecast, as you sort of alluded to, is it requires another device to work. You "under 30 euro" solution includes a $300 phone...

#50

Steven B

alwaysstsThis product could be nice to have...sometime around an iteration next year.

Give me a decent apu, stacked flash, stacked ram, etc running off usb (to dp/hdmi/usb). Should be doable within 60w, right? We're seemingly on the brink in many areas concerning how much (practical) performance you can shove into a very small form-factor requiring very little power, as well as display power and adaptability (something some may love or hate about the new mac book for instance). I understand a big portion of this products' ideal is low pricing and what you can get away with using a minimum useful spec, but I don't know if this crosses that threshold, even though I give them props for things like decent wi-fi, bluetooth, and especially micro-sd expansion.

I like it as a proof of concept, but it still costs too much for what it is imho versus a device with other uses (like a phone/tablet/laptop). The Linux version is at least interesting for it's price, but the lowered ram/flash density limits it's usefulness as an actual computer (rather just something you use for a specific simple task).

That's just my opinion, I'm sure there are people for whom this IS worth it, and is good-enough for what they need it to do. For me though, this is either wasted potential, or a very nifty prototype of things to come.

60W for $150 in this form factor? Yea maybe in a decade, this device pulls 4.8W from the wall at full load lol.

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