Intel Corp INTC has come out with a compute stick — a tiny computer inside an HDMI dongle, which is a small wonder in its own sense. First unveiled at the CES, the Compute stick is a Windows 8, Android or Linux device in a dongle that can be plugged into your TV. It’s finally up for pre-order on Amazon.com Inc. AMZN and Newegg.
The device can be connected to any monitor or TV’s HDMI port and is powered by a quad-core Baytrail Atom processor and 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It also has both a USB 3.0 and a Micro USB port (which can be used for additional memory).
This is also not all. The device includes 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity that makes it simple to use with a keyboard and mouse.
It can be upgraded to Windows 10 when it is released.
The Compute Stick is extremely easy to use. As soon as it boots up, the user's operating system of choice starts running and with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, the device can provide a full computing experience.
Of course, the Compute Stick is no competitor to a desktop or laptop. It is just an alternative for people who are on the go and need to get some work done. It won’t let you play the latest games, but will let you check email, watch Netflix and browse the web easily.
Price Tags
This 4-inch long wonder promises truly mobile PC computing. This is quite appealing indeed. However, it requires you to ensure that the places in which you'll be using it come with all the pieces required to use the stick (or at least you need to have a keyboard and mouse with you all the time.)
According to Slash Gear, “The Windows 8.1 HDMI stick costs $149.99 on Newegg and a higher $180 on Amazon. The Linux variant on the other hand has a price tag of $109.99 and $130 on Newegg and Amazon, respectively.”
Recently, Google GOOGL launched Chromebit, which turns the TV into a PC running on Chrome OS. Google hasn’t confirmed the price but it is expected to be under $100.
According to Hexus, though pre-orders are now possible, the actual availability date is Apr 24.
Intel holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) while Amazon has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
A better-ranked stock in the space is PetMed Express, Inc. PETS as it carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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