Intel Compute Stick

One of the interesting technologies announced at CES was the Intel Compute Stick.

The 4 inch long computer plugs into an HDMI port in a TV or monitor. Connect your Bluetooth wireless (or USB) keyboard and mouse and you've got a complete Windows 8.1 (or Linux) computer that's just a little larger than a Google ChromeCast.

Here are the specs: 

• 1.33GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3735F
• 2GB RAM
• 32GB storage
• MicroSD slot (for more memory)
• WiFi – 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Full-sized USB 2.0 port
• MicroUSB 2.0 port for power
• HDMI 1.4
• Windows 8.1 Bing (the same version that runs on the $200 HP Stream 11.)

This could be a cheap way to deploy desktop computing for people that aren't heavy users, or even a thin-client replacement. It might be good for dedicated kiosks or digital media servers.

The Windows version is $149 and the Linux version will be $89 (with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage.) Looks like it will be available in March. There's a Chinese company that manufactures them called MeegoPad (T01/TB05) complete with an Intel logo for $150 on Amazon (I think I'll wait.)

When they're available, I'll get one and review it here.