Amazing! Intel Compute Stick Turn Your TV into a Computer

Intel Compute Stick is 4-inch long plug-and-play device which transforms any HDMI display or monitor into a computer. It was officially launched in Malaysia on May 21, 2015 at the Intelligent Generations showcase in Intel Penang.

“What we’re unveiling today is a culmination of the work we’ve built on a foundation laid down by 50 years of Moore’s Law. In fact, the Intel Compute Stick was a brainchild of local engineers here in Intel Malaysia and we are extremely proud of having brought this game changing idea to fruition,” said Sumner Lemon, Country Manager, Intel Malaysia and Singapore.

Simply plug the Intel Compute Stick into any HDMI port of your TV or monitor, connect wireless keyboard & mouse, and you have a fully functional computer.

Intel Compute Stick specs and price

Intel Compute Stick is powered by Intel Atom Z37735F Quad-core 64-bit 1.33GHz (up to 1.83GHz) processor with Intel HD Graphics.

Despite the small body (103mm x 37mm x 12mm), Intel Compute Stick has a full size USB2.0 port to connect your peripherals, a micro SD card slot for memory expansion. For connectivity, the stick supports WiFi 802.11bgn and Bluetooth 4.0.

Intel Compute Stick output audio via HDMI. The attached display needs to have speaker/audio output, else you will not getting any sound from the stick computer.

Intel Compute Stick is available in two operating system: Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu (Linux). The Windows version has higher spec of 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage space. 1GB RAM and 8GB storage for Ubuntu version.

HDMI port does not provide enough power, Intel Compute Stick needs to draw from external power adapter. HDMI extension cable and power adapter with USB cable are included.

Intel Compute Stick price in Malaysia is RM599 (Windows 8.1) and RM499 (Ubuntu).

Thought

I like the idea of having a full functional computer in a 4-inch stick. It is portable and convenient. I like Intel Compute Stick includes a USB port and memory card slot.

I have a Chromecast stick but it is limited to media streaming. I have smartphone and laptops, wireless mirror is not reliable, and wired HDMI connection exposes ugly cable. Intel Compute Stick will easily upgrade my home’s dumb “Smart” TV into a powerful computer. Sounds great, right?

But, do you know that, for RM600, you can buy a mini Windows 8 tablet with HDMI output? The competition from low-cost Windows tablets make Intel Compute Stick seems like an expensive gimmick gadget.

If Intel willing to slash Compute Stick’s price, it would be great to use as thin client in a large scale.

Do you like the Compute Stick idea? Will you buy an Intel Compute Stick?