Do you know how much power you can have at the size of your hand? That’s what we felt when ee were able to attend Intel’s event in Makati last Tuesday wherein they unveiled the new 5th generation Core processors and X SoFIA chips for mobile devices. Among those launched at the press conference is the Intel Compute Stick, touted to have a generally decent performance in a small package at a very affordable price.
The Compute Stick turns any HDMI-enabled device into a fully-functional computer. It also has several ports you can use to further enhance your portable computer experience, and it can be powered by a DC wall charger or even a power bank.
Bearing a glossy finish, it’s lightweight and compact enough to be stored in your bag or front pocket of your jeans, and can be brought just about anywhere. It has a ton of ports located on both of its sides such as a USB port to connect peripherals and a micro SD card slot for additional storage, and connectivity options likeWi-Fi and Bluetooth for connectivity.
Its performance is something that should not be underestimated as well. Bearing an Atom chip, it can handle most lightweight to moderate tasks. In fact, all the presentation material held at the event were powered by the stick, and was only revealed during its demo. Two versions will be available: a Ubuntu Linux model sporting 1GB of RAM, and a Windows 8.1 version with 2GB RAM.
Intel Compute Stick specs
STCK1A32WFC | STCK1A8LFC | |
---|---|---|
Operating System | Windows 8.1 with Bing 32-bit | Ubuntu 14.04 LTS 64-bit |
System Memory | 2 GB soldered, single channel, DDR3L memory 1.35V, 1333 MHz |
1 GB soldered, single channel, DDR3L memory 1.35V, 1333 MHz |
Flash Storage | 32 GB eMMC storage soldered down Micro SDXC v3.0 slot with UHS I-Support |
8 GB eMMC storage soldered down Micro SDXC v3.0 slot with UHS I-Support |
Processor | Intel® Atomâ„¢ Processor Z3735F Supports Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT-x) |
Intel® Atomâ„¢ Processor Z3735F Supports Intel® Virtualization Technology (Intel® VT-x) |
Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics 1x HDMI* 1.4a |
Intel® HD Graphics 1x HDMI* 1.4a |
Peripheral Connectivity | Integrated 802.11bgn Wireless Connection One USB 2.0 Bluetooth* 4.0 Micro SD card slot |
Integrated 802.11bgn Wireless Connection One USB 2.0 Bluetooth 4.0 Micro SD card slot |
Audio | Intel® HD Audio via HDMI, supporting multi-channel digital audio | Intel® HD Audio via HDMI, supporting multi-channel digital audio |
Mechanical Chassis Size | 103.4 x 37.6 x 12.5 mm | 103.4 x 37.6 x 12.5 mm |
Power Requirements | 5V, 2A wall-mount AC-DC power adapter | 5V, 2A wall-mount AC-DC power adapter |
Environment Operating Temperature | 0° C to +35° C | 0° C to +35° C |
Storage Temperature | -20° C to +40° C | -20° C to +40° C |
Will the small giant create leaps and bounds? The Intel Compute Sticks are said to be available in the country starting this June. Pricing has not been mentioned, but might follow the international SRP (US$110 or roughly Php4,900 for Ubuntu version, $149 or roughly Php6,400 for Windows 8.1)