BackPC in a stick
Plug Intel's Compute Stick into any TV or projector, and start working
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Intel’s Compute Stick, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 in Las Vegas earlier this year, has started shipping to India. It is similar to the Asus Chromebit made for Google (it runs the Chrome OS) in terms of design and functionality. It is really is a CPU packed inside a small USB drive-like case. Though the Compute Stick comes in two variants—a Windows 8.1 version and a more affordable Linux Ubuntu version—only the Windows version is available in India right now on Flipkart at ₹ 9,999. The Windows version represents a much better deal, since this operating system is one that most users are familiar with.
The Compute Stick supports Bluetooth 4.0, which makes it easier to connect it to the latest wireless keyboard and mouse/touchpad hardware. With Wi-Fi, users can hook up to any hot spot at home, office or anywhere else. Intel is preloading McAfee AntiVirus Plus on the device, to keep data safe from malware.
Space-saving computer
What makes the Compute Stick compelling is its compact form. It is 103mm long, just slightly more than most commonly used USB drives (also known as pen drives and thumb drives). This means it is easy to carry in the bag or even your trouser pocket. The most compact netbooks available in the market weigh almost 1kg and most Windows 8 hybrids tip the scales at around 500g. The Compute Stick weighs less than 100g and is much smaller.
Plug this into the HDMI port of the TV in your hotel room, or the projector in office, and you have a PC right there. It runs Windows 8.1 (32-bit) and has 32 GB internal memory and another 32 GB can be added via a microSD card slot. However, don’t forget to carry a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Cost-effective
The most affordable and decent netbook in the market right now is the Asus EeeBook X205TA ( ₹ 14,999 on Flipkart), which is powered by the same Intel Atom quad-core processor Z3735F and has 2 GB RAM. This is exactly the same configuration as the Compute Stick. The Acer Iconia W4 (32 GB) has comparable hardware configuration, costs ₹ 15,399 and is a tablet with no keyboard dock. This gives the Compute Stick an edge over most affordable Windows PCs with the same configuration.
PowerPoint presentations and meetings
This is where the Compute Stick is perhaps the most useful. You do not need to go through the headache of connecting a laptop to the projector and dealing with the inevitable cable connection issues. Just plug it into a TV or a projector and you can start a presentation in a matter of seconds.
Light gaming and casual use
Some video games don’t really require a powerful computer. SimCity and FarmVille, two popular examples, work even on the most basic PCs. The Compute Stick’s processor and Intel HD graphics are not the most powerful specs on paper, but can handle some amount of gaming.
And since the Compute Stick can be plugged into a big display (TV, monitor or projector), it adds to the gaming experience.
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