Home Intel Introduces (Another) Computer On A Stick

Intel Introduces (Another) Computer On A Stick

You will soon be able to get a fully functional Windows 8 computer on a stick for $150.

Intel announced its Compute Stick at the Consumer Electronics Show on Wednesday. Unlike the similar looking Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast, the Compute Stick is a fully functional computer that you can plug into an HDMI monitor.

See also: Intel Pledges $300M To Take On GamerGate And Diversity In Tech

That means it’s not just for streaming. By plugging in the Compute Stick and connecting a USB or Bluetooth keyboard, you can turn any HDMI monitor into a fully functional computer for a fraction of the usual price.

The Intel gizmo is built around an Atom quad-core processor. The Windows version will run Windows 8 and come with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of flash storage, while the Linux version comes with half the RAM and 8GB storage. The Linux version is also nearly half the price, at $89.

The Compute Stick will also come with full sized and micro USB ports, Bluetooth 4.0, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. It can’t be charged via the HDMI port, and instead relies on the micro USB port for power.

Intel says the Compute Stick is great for “light productivity, social networking, web browsing, streaming media, and games,” essentially making it a kind of tablet substitute (without the portable touchscreen, of course). If you own an HDMI monitor and want to do more than just stream video, the Compute Stick is the smallest, cheapest option on the market for full-blown computing.

Photo via Intel

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.