Soon you’ll be able to transform your TV set into a computer using a device no larger than a pack of chewing gum
What is it?
A four-inch dongle, powered by a quad-core processor, that comes pre-loaded with either Windows 8.1 or Linux. You can plug it into the HDMI slot on your TV, effectively turning your set into a computer, with your Desktop appearing on screen. You can then control it using a wireless or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (which you’ll need to buy separately). The Compute Stick can also be fitted into any monitor with an HDMI slot.
On the official page for the Compute Stick (www.snipca.com/15019) Intel says it’s “everything you love about your desktop computer in a device that fits in the palm of your hand”. That’s a pretty good description.
What features does it have?
Connections include a full-sized USB port. You can increase storage capacity using the microSD card slot. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, when it’s plugged into the HDMI slot, it will need to connect to an external power source through the Micro USB port. Intel plans to overcome this hurdle by building future models that can be powered through the HDMI slot.
How much does it cost?
The Windows 8.1 model, which includes 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage is priced $149 (about £99). The Linux version, which is expected to run Ubuntu, has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage and costs $89 (around £59). Both models should be available to buy from March.
Isn’t that a lot pricier than other streaming sticks?
Yes. The Chromecast (www.google.co.uk/chromecast) costs £30, while the Roku Streaming Stick (www.snipca.com/15020) is priced £45. Amazon’s Fire TV Stick (www.snipca.com/15022), which is currently only available in the US, priced $39, may be even cheaper if and when it arrives in the UK. But these devices are mostly used to stream web pages or videos to your TV, whereas the Compute Stick contains an entire operating system.
So what would I use it for?
“Light productivity,” Intel says, which translates as browsing the web, playing games and streaming videos - just on a much bigger screen, which would aid those with poor eyesight. It wouldn’t be a suitable replacement for your current desktop PC or laptop, but you should consider buying it if you’re looking for a cheap, portable way to carry around Windows 8.1 or Linux. You’ll then be able to plug it into someone’s TV or monitor when visiting their home, or carry it between work and your home.
Is this the cheapest way to use a portable version of Windows 8.1?
Not quite. The Linx 7 Windows 8.1 tablet (www.snipca.com/15021), which costs £79, has a seven-inch screen, making it just small enough to fit inside a large coat pocket. But unlike the Compute Stick, it doesn’t fit snugly inside a front trouser pocket.
Is this a brand new idea?
No. Microsoft got there first with Windows To Go (www.snipca.com/15026), which is a version of Windows 8.1 Enterprise that can be run from a USB stick and is aimed at business workers. However, to run it properly you need a USB 3.0 stick, which can be expensive. The 32GB Kingston DataTraveler Workspace, for example, costs around £75 – and that’s on top of the cost of an 8.1 Enterprise licence. Intel hopes its Compute Stick will attract some of these workers, but also be cheap enough to make it attractive to the public. We’ll review it later this year.