Intel Compute Stick

[gemini5362]

I just learned of a new to me technology. The intel computer stick. Has anyone used one yet. Basically it appears to be a device about the size of a USB drive. It plugs into an HDMI port and can be used to turn a TV or anything actually into a computer. You plug it into the HDMI port of your TV get a bluetooth keyboard and instant computer. It has 2 gigs of ram 32 gig onboard HD storage. A port for a micro SD card, Wifi and bluetooth. IT would appear to be a cheap easy way to have a computer in your RV that takes up almost no storage space. For facebook, or just checking email etc I would think it would work great although I have not used one yet.
http://www.cnet.com/products/intel-compute-stick/#!

[Knightab]

First I have heard of it but looked it up right away, sounds promising.

[ylexot]

I guess it depends on what you want to use it for. Personally, I have an Android stick in the bedroom and an Android box in the living room. Both of them cost less than the compute stick. Right now, the one that I would get is the Google Nexus Player.

[ylexot]

Also for you Apple fans (I personally loathe Apple), rumor is that they will unveil their new TV box at their event on September 9th.

[Knightab]

Originally Posted by ylexot

I guess it depends on what you want to use it for. Personally, I have an Android stick in the bedroom and an Android box in the living room. Both of them cost less than the compute stick. Right now, the one that I would get is the Google Nexus Player.

But arent those just game sticks? The compute stick is a computer.

[ylexot]

Originally Posted by Knightab

But arent those just game sticks? The compute stick is a computer.

Like I said, it depends on what you want to use it for. Web browsing? Yeah they can do that. Facebook? Yeah, they can do that. Email? Yeah, they can do that too. There are even Microsoft office apps.

So no, they aren't just game sticks. They're just like your Android phone or tablet.

[Knightab]

Originally Posted by ylexot

Like I said, it depends on what you want to use it for. Web browsing? Yeah they can do that. Facebook? Yeah, they can do that. Email? Yeah, they can do that too. There are even Microsoft office apps.

So no, they aren't just game sticks. They're just like your Android phone or tablet.

Ok THanks, just looking for the explanation

[Sweetbriar]

The sticks have been around for a few months. Amazon sells them. Not a direct replacement for a true PC. With limited on stick memory potential productivity is very dependent on wireless network availability and connection speed. Also you'll need a wireless keyboard and mouse to use it effectively along with a USB disk drive as a local data storage source.

Read a few reviews which weren't so-so. A tablet might be a better option but it really depends on what you want to do. Check emails a bit of social media and such then the stick might be an option. Attempt to do some moderate number crunching while on the road maybe not so good.

[dpinvidic]

Yes, this IS a computer, but not the same as a laptop.
No CD/DVD drive, so you cant buy turbo tax, or other programs and install them.

If you want MW- Word, or Excel, you need to use the MS-Office cloud service to get those.

For us, this thing is similar to a Amazon fire stick....BUT you can attach a keyboard (nice option).

Dan

[ylexot]

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

Yes, this IS a computer, but not the same as a laptop.
No CD/DVD drive, so you cant buy turbo tax, or other programs and install them.

If you want MW- Word, or Excel, you need to use the MS-Office cloud service to get those.

Not really. Many laptops these days don't come with CD/DVD drives because most software is available as a download. You can even buy MS Office as a download. And I'd be willing to bet that you can put the full versions of Office apps on the compute stick since I can run them on my Win10 tablet which has similar specs.

BTW, I should point out that the Google Nexus Player is a bit more limited than the Android stick/box that I have since you can't install all the apps in the store without some trickery. The Player is really sold as a media/gaming device, but it can do more if yo know what you're doing.

[gemini5362]

It looks like the android stick is the same idea although a bit cheaper. To me either one seems like a good idea. Not a Pc or a laptop or tablet but small and compact. I am thinking might be good idea for the grandkids to use when they come over and keep them from using my expensive laptop and tablet.

[wa8yxm]

They are serious (if low end) computers.. The only thing they really lack is decent storage and that can be added easily enough. Computers have been getting smaller and smaller for a long time.. and less expensive.

A few days ago i dropped my #2 computer.. Checked, Wall*mart had 'em for 179.. Now, I use this computer in 2 rooms so I can really use a 2nd power brick, those sell for aroudn 50.. and a new battery about 125 more or less...... Yup, that means I paid 10 bucks for the new computer.

[ylexot]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

They are serious (if low end) computers.. The only thing they really lack is decent storage and that can be added easily enough. Computers have been getting smaller and smaller for a long time.. and less expensive.

A few days ago i dropped my #2 computer.. Checked, Wall*mart had 'em for 179.. Now, I use this computer in 2 rooms so I can really use a 2nd power brick, those sell for aroudn 50.. and a new battery about 125 more or less...... Yup, that means I paid 10 bucks for the new computer.

Not really...It just means that the markup on the power brick and battery is insanely high.

But if you want to talk cheap computers, look into Raspberry Pi for $25:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/

And then there is CHIP which is coming out soon which will be a small computer for $9:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...rst-9-computer

[ylexot]

Now there's a new kid on the block:
ASUS unveils the Intel-powered, Windows 10 VivoStick

Not a whole lot cheaper than the Compute Stick at $130, but it also has a little better specs.