Intel teased a Core M-based Compute Stick back at IFA 2015, but it didn't have much information to share at the time. Now, at CES in Las Vegas, the company has taken the wraps of its brand-new dongle PCs. The new models are not only more powerful than the original product, but are also significantly more convenient.
The original Compute Stick, introduced at the beginning of 2015, was high on concept, allowing users to turn any HDMI-equipped display into a fully-fledged PC. Unfortunately, the reality of the device was a little different, providing low-end performance and only a single USB port.
Things are looking brighter this year, with the new version of the product giving users a choice of Core M3 and Core M5 chips. The device will be available to buy with or without Windows 10, and will ship with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC storage.
The connectivity of this year's model is also looking solid, with both Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 7265 and Bluetooth 4.1 included. Like the original Compute Stick, there's only a single USB port on the device itself, but the company has put a pair of ports on the power adapter, bringing the total up to three.
The Core M Compute Stick starts at US$399, scheduled to ship in February. The company is also selling a second-generation Intel Atom version, with 32GB storage, 2 GB RAM and two USB ports. That model is in production now, shipping for $160.
Source: Intel