Intel Compute Stick - 2016

Overview

The Intel Compute Stick is a pretty good deal. You get a full license for Windows 10 Home and a PC that’s ready to go out of the box—just add a display, a mouse, and a keyboard to get started. And unlike Google’s stick computing product, the Asus Chromebit, you’re not restricted to just a handful of tasks in a limited environment. You can do anything that requires Windows.

-- As reviewed by PCWorld

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 18 expert reviews

Excellent:

2
Good:

9
Average:

4
Bad:

3

8.4

User Score

Based on 114 reviews
as rated by users

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Last revision on June 26, 2019

Reviewers Liked

Powerful enough for most computing tasks
Improves on previous generation with addition of a second USB port
Very affordable

Reviewers Didn't Like

2GB of RAM limits multi-tasking
It's much more expensive than the original Atom versions
Slower performance

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

Powered by a Core m3 processor, the Intel Compute Stick excels as a fully functional PC that fits in your pocket and can use a TV as a...

By PC Mag on September 07, 2016

I think that the Intel Compute Stick is damn impressive. The most difficult thing for me – when trying to review it – is imagining who this device is for. It's a little too expensive and less user-friendly when trying to justify using it as an...

By nerdreactor.com on August 29, 2016

Intel's Core m3-packing Compute Stick gets outfitted with extra RAM, storage, and CPU power, making it a machine you might want to actually use for more than basic productivity and media playback. But at close to $400, it only makes sense if you truly...

By Computer Shopper on August 19, 2016

They range from simple dongle-sized mini-computers on a stick, to hard-core (but compact) HTPCs capable of high-end gaming. The ‘stick' PCs are typically low-end hardware on a tiny device that can plug directly into an HDMI port. They are ready to go...

By APC Magazine on July 28, 2016

The latest Intel Compute Stick takes a big leap forward in power -- and price -- while still being capable of turning any TV into a PC when not traveling in your...

By CNET UK on July 11, 2016

The latest Intel Compute Stick takes a big leap forward in power -- and price -- while still being capable of turning any TV into a PC when not traveling in your...

By cnet on July 11, 2016

The latest Intel Compute Stick takes a big leap forward in power -- and price -- while still being capable of turning any TV into a PC when not traveling in your...

By CNET Australia on July 11, 2016

"For basic use, this new version of the Compute Stick...

By PC Authority on May 16, 2016

Compared to the 1st generation Compute Stick Intel has made some great improvements. First you get a better processor, the Intel Atom x5-Z8300. Intel has also added a second USB port, this time a USB 3.0 port. Having a second port is great. This means...

By ThinkComputers on March 31, 2016

The Intel Compute Stick holds a lot of promise, and certainly shows that on-the-go computing is headed in the right direction. But under powered hardware limits its use cases quite a...

By beebom.com on March 12, 2016

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Intel Compute Stick - 2016

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Price: $120

TechSpot Metascore

User Score

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

Asus Chromebit

Lenovo Ideacentre Stick 300

ECS Liva X

Expert reviews and ratings