New Intel Compute Stick, PC into a pen with more powerful Atom and Core-M

At CES 2016 in Las Vegas, Intel has brought a new generation of Intel Compute Stick, smaller, powerful and versatile than the first version.

The concept behind the Intel Compute Stick is very interesting: it is personal computers crammed inside the size of a large USB stick can be connected to a monitor via HDMI. But the realization of the first models released during 2015 did not give justice to the concept: the computational performance and network were certainly not optimal, and within them booze only a USB port. In short, a product in beta still not really ready for the mass audience.

Apparently, Intel is trying to correct the roll with the second generation of Compute Stick, and it is clear that with the new models the company wants to give a clear response to the most frequent criticisms on the first devices released to the public. The new Compute Stick will be available in three variations with different processors, including an entry-level $ 159 that will be equipped with Intel Atom x5 z-8400, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of integrated storage and should boast double performance compared the first models.

Also in terms of functionality should be no serious improvements: the integrated USB ports will be two, one USB 3.0, while on the wireless connectivity will find compatibility with devices with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi networks with a dedicated 802.11ac module 2×2 for antennas. As on the previous model, the new Intel Compute Stick will have a microSD card slot, a power button and the HDMI connector at one end.

It is very interesting for the most demanding users of the two versions with CPU M-Core and GPU Intel HD Graphics 515 capable, according to the company, to play without difficulty content to 4K resolution at 30Hz. On these models use Intel fairly effectively the only USB Type-C.

Intel Compute Stick can simultaneously convey power and data through the charger supplied that integrates two USB 3.0 ports, in addition to the USB 3.0 port of the stick. Unfortunately for those who hoped in power via HDMI, which will arrive according to Intel’s future models.

The Intel Compute Stick with the CPU Core-M using specifically Core m3-6Y30 and Core m5-6Y57 combined in both cases to 4 GB of DDR3 RAM and 64 GB of storage on board eMMC. The wireless adapter installed on these versions evolved provides compatibility with networks Wi-Fi 802.11 and Bluetooth 4.1. In short, Intel Compute Stick seems to have reached full maturity, but the improvements have been achieved with a substantial reshaping of prices.

If the version with Intel Atom x5 only costs $159 with Windows 10 included, the version with Core-m3 will be offered at about $400 with the operating system and just over $300 without. The variation to the top of the range with Intel Core-m5 will instead be sold exclusively with no operating system at a list price of $499.

The sale is expected ” soon “, but it may take some time before we see the new Intel Compute Stick in the retail channel.