1. INTRODUCTION It doesn’t take a genius to notice that computers keep getting smaller over time. I mean: There’s no telling where the shrinking will end. But I will tell you this: We’ve reached a new milestone. This is the world’s smallest Windows PC: It’s called the Intel Compute Stick, and it’s really small (4 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches) — so small, you might mistake it for a USB flash drive. It’s the first Windows PC you might lose in your bag. ENTERTAINMENT A new way to serve up home entertainment, the Intel® Compute Stick enables you to transform a display into a fully functional computer via an HDMI* port. Ready to go out-of-the-box, the Intel Compute Stick has a quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor and offers the performance, quality, and value you expect from Intel. The system performs just like your other computers—simply 1
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Transcript
1. INTRODUCTION
It doesn’t take a genius to notice that computers keep getting smaller over time. I mean:
There’s no telling where the shrinking will end. But I will tell you this: We’ve reached a new
milestone. This is the world’s smallest Windows PC:
It’s called the Intel Compute Stick, and it’s really small (4 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches) — so small, you
might mistake it for a USB flash drive. It’s the first Windows PC you might lose in your bag.
ENTERTAINMENT
A new way to serve up home entertainment, the Intel® Compute Stick enables you to
transform a display into a fully functional computer via an HDMI* port. Ready to go out-of-
the-box, the Intel Compute Stick has a quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor and offers the
performance, quality, and value you expect from Intel. The system performs just like your
other computers—simply plugs it into any HDMI monitor or TV, connect your wireless
keyboard and mouse and you’re ready to stream media, music, or play games. It’s everything
you love about your home entertainment systems in a single device that fits in the palm of your
hand. to serve up home entertainment, the Intel® Compute Stick enables you to transform a
display into a fully functional computer via an HDMI* port. Ready to go out-of-the-box, the
Intel Compute Stick has a quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor and offers the performance,
quality, and value you expect from Intel. The system performs just like your other computers—
simply plug it into any HDMI monitor or TV, connect your wireless keyboard and mouse and
you’re ready to stream media, music, or play games. It’s everything you love about your home
entertainment systems in a single device that fits in the palm of your hand.
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PRODUCTIVITY
32 GB of storage for easy access to local files. A Micro SD card slot for access to additional
files. Connectivity and expandability: WiFi 802.11bgn and Bluetooth* 4.0 for Internet access
and wireless peripherals. USB 2.0 port for additional peripherals such as printers. HDMI*
connectivity for sound and display. Productivity: Windows 8.1* for a familiar user experience,
2 GB memory, and power adapter with USB cable. By allowing you to transform any HDMI*
display into a fully functional computer, the Intel® Compute Stick lets you stay productive
anywhere you have an HDMI display. Ready to go out-of-the-box, this new type of computing
device has a quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor and offers the performance, quality, and
value you expect from Intel. The system performs just like your other computers—simply plug
it into any HDMI monitor or TV, connect a wireless keyboard and mouse and you can work
when, where, and how you want. It’s everything you love about your desktop computer in a
device that fits in the palm of your hand.
REVIEW
There are a handful of devices already on the market that get content onto your TV. Amazon's
Fire Stick and Google's Chromecast are both competent devices, and then there are more
powerful devices like the Roku. The main difference is that Intel's Compute Stick is a full-
fledged x86 Windows 8.1 PC—and it makes a big difference.
With any of the other content devices, you usually have to play by the rules negotiated between
the device manufacturer and the content producers. If, for example, HBO doesn't license to
Roku, you won't get to watch HBO programming on your Roku device. Having a full PC lets
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you skip through all that red tape. You can do almost anything you want, and that alone is
worth the price of admission.
Now, when using the Compute Stick, one must be open-minded. It's not meant to be a
powerful PC; it's not meant to run Crysis. It's meant to be a general computing device. Web
browsing, chatting, emailing, movie watching, music listening. The Compute stick only has an
Bay Trail 4-core Intel Atom Z3735F CPU running at 1.33GHz. This CPU is what usually gets
put into tablets, so it competes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon family. For reference, the
Snapdragon 600 runs at 1.7GHz and has a dual-channel memory controller versus the Atom's
single-channel setup. Granted, the Atom runs x86 and thus supports the massive PC software
ecosystem. So with that in mind, let's take a look.
On the outside, the Compute Stick is minimalistic in design. It's slender and black and has slits
for intake and a small fan that exhausts hot air. The fan isn't loud by any measure, but does
emit a high-pitched whine. You won't notice it if you're playing music, but you will in a quiet
environment. The sound isn't a show-stopper, but it's there. If you're just reading content and
emailing, you won't hear it. Install an application, though, and it will spin up.
On one side of the Compute Stick is a micro-USB port for charging, and a regular USB 2.0
port for accessories like a keyboard and mouse. The other side has a Micro-SD slot, if you feel
32GB is too claustrophobic. For light computing duties, we didn't feel the need to upgrade. The
only outbound connector on the Compute Stick is the lone HDMI output. Plug the Compute
Stick in a TV's HDMI input or a normal display and you're good to go. We opted for a 24-inch
Dell LCD panel. Internet connectivity is handled by 802.11bgn. Unfortunately, no 802.11ac
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support is integrated, and the onboard Wi-Fi is only single channel 2.5GHz with no 5GHz
support.
On bootup, we will go through the normal Windows 8.1 setup phases, and input our
information and personal preferences. Once that was over, we land on the desktop. It feel like a
normal PC, which is awesome because the Compute Stick is so small. After all Windows
updates were installed, we can load our usual array of apps: Google Chrome, Skype,
TeamViewer, VLC, Spotify, and Steam.
As you can see, the Compute Stick isn't meant for heavy-duty PC chores or native gaming. It
really is meant for casual work or content consumption and entertainment.
For those who do light workloads on their computers, the Compute Stick offers an attractive,
low cost, and simple solution. Gamers who are looking for a light-weight streaming streaming
solution should give the Compute Stick a serious look. There's a lot of promise in the Compute
Stick platform. Consider this iteration a step in the right direction, pointing to a bright future
for small computing machines. There will be a day when a device such as this will be able to
hold its own as a full-fledged HTPC. For the Maximum PCreader looking for a powerful
solution, though, today is not that day.
Intel Compute Sticks: A Device to Contend With
Many new users of personal computing are entering into the field via the Tablet. People have
taken to it like fish to water. Most people have graduated to the Tablet from the Smartphone.
They are happy to use the touch screen keyboard to deal with all keyboard inputs. These
people find laptops to be too geeky.
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Well, soon they start to realize that the real world of business and commerce deals with Office
Suites and those perform best on laptops only. It does not take much persuasion for them to
move on to the laptop. The workplace, today, is totally working on laptops and these are used
only as a client to their Cloud Based Applications. A Chrome book or a Netbook can do the
latter part of the task very well at a lower cost. The devices still need to be carried around in
bags. The Tablet hasn’t made many inroads into the executive workplace.
Into this world of personal computing hardware, we have a new member that has announced its
presence. It is the compute stick.
What is the Compute Stick?
Imagine a Laptop without the display and keyboard. It certainly brings down the size of the
imaginary device. No go on further and replace the Hard Disk with an SD Card. What you are
left with is the processor and the memory along with the Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth connectivity and
two USB ports, one of which will be only used to pump in the juice to power the processor.
Well, what you now have is a Compute Stick.
Better yet: It’s not only the smallest Windows PC type in the world; it’s also the least
expensive: just $150 (with 2GB of memory, 32GB of storage, and Windows 8.1).
What you get (and what you don’t)
You might be wondering, is this really a PC? Normally, the ingredients you expect include a
processor, memory, storage, a screen, expansion ports, speakers, a mouse or trackpad, and
some kind of keyboard.
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Clearly, the Compute Stick doesn’t have a built-in keyboard; if it did, you’d need fingers the
size of hydrogen atoms. And it doesn’t come with a screen. Instead — and this is the really
cool, liberating part — you plug the thing into the HDMI jack of any TV or monitor, like this:
That’s right. Instead of plugging a monitor into your PC, you now plug your PC into the
monitor. And by the way, it’s very cool to plug it into a bigTV, like the one in your living
room. You could do Windows demos that they could see in Russia.
Intel includes, in the box, a tiny HDMI extension cord that accommodates TVs whose back
panels don’t fit a rigid plug like the Compute Stick.
You also have to plug the Compute Stick into a power supply, which is a small downer; it’s
just not as self-contained as you thought it would be.
And you need to supply your own keyboard and mouse. A Bluetooth wireless set works
especially well, because the Compute Stick has only one USB jack; it’d be a shame to plug it
up with a keyboard. (Beware, however: You must use a wired USB keyboard and mouse to set
up your Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.)
There’s also a cool Android app called Intel Remote Keyboard that turns your smart phone into
a mouse and keyboard. That makes for an insanely portable setup.
But the Compute Stick does contain most of the stuff you’d expect to find inside a standard-
sized PC: processor, memory, storage, power supply, Bluetooth, WiFi, graphics circuitry, a
micro SD memory-card slot for expansion, even an itty-bitty fanto keep it cool. (You know
that only by the presence of vents — the fan itself is silent.)
What it can (and can’t) do
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Online, people have complained that the Compute Stick can’t run professional video-editing
apps or VMWare or 3D games. But that’s like complaining that your $4 flip-flops slowed you
down when you ran the marathon. If you’re trying to run Haloon a $150 computer the size of a
USB drive, you’ve got the wrong tool, but.
Instead, think of the Compute Stick as an inexpensive, super-portable computer with enough
horsepower for normal, everyday computing things: email, instant messaging, Web browsing,
word processing, spreadsheets, Microsoft Office, Quicken, and so on. It’s also great for
streaming music and video
But no, a PC this small, with this modest a processor (an Atom Z3735F, if you must know),
doesn’t have the juice for more ambitious applications.
The Compute Stick has other limitations as well. Chief among them: There’s only one USB
jack. (And it’s USB 2, not the more modern USB 3.) If you want to plug in a hard drive, USB
keyboard, and flash drive simultaneously, you’ll have to add a USB splitter box.
Most USB hard drives — even some that draw their power from it — work fine with this jack,
but not all. Some drives draw more power than this jack can deliver. Bottom line: If you want
to expand the Compute Stick’s 32 GB of built-in storage, your best bet is to add a
MicroSD memory card (up to 128 GB).
Other limitations: If you’re using Wi-Fi heavily (streaming a movie from Netflix, say), the
Compute Stick’s Bluetooth connection can get Skippy; your cursor may jitter when you move
your Bluetooth mouse. More than one online commenter has complained that the Compute
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Stick doesn’t work with Vizio TV sets. And there’s no headphone jack. (Were you really going
to listen to music crouched behind your TV, where this thing is plugged in?)
Look on the bright side
But come on: This is a Windows PC that’s half an inch wide. It’s far more portable than a
laptop, a tablet, or even a compact hard drive.
It turns any TV into a PC, making the Compute Stick a great potential space-saver for dorms,
restaurants, or Tokyo apartments. You can grab your entire PC and bring it with you to a
conference room. It’s so cheap, it’s almost an impulse buy — maybe as a second PC or a kid’s
machine. Intel also notes that it’s well-suited to turning screens into digital signs, slideshows,
or kiosks.
The Compute Stick isn’t the first computer on a stick. There’s the Asus Chromebit, which is
similar but runs Google’s Chrome OS. There’s theRaspberry Pi, which most people run Linux
on. There are also, of course, streaming-TV gizmos like the Amazon Fire Stick.
But none of those products run Windows or the 4 million programs that run on it. The
Compute Stick comes with Windows 8.1 preinstalled, but you’ll be able to upgrade it to
Windows 10
3.WORKING
3.1 OPERATING SYSTEM
Compute stick comes with two models, Windows latest version Windows 8.1 and
Linux. We can change operating system according to our need. The processor is so powerful to
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handle any task and it is powered with 2 GB of RAM. The small form factor makes it easier t
handle. It is capable of handling more than one task simultaneously at the same time.
3.2 RECORDING OF DATA
Recording of data is easier because compute stick come with a mass storage of 32 GB
in Windows model and 8 GB in Linux model. We can expand the storage capacity of the stick
according to our need, it provides a slot for Micro SD in order to increase storage. The
expandable storage limit is 128 GB that is a huge limit for such a small device. We can record
data by plugging into a computer or an external storage device.
Recorded data can is easier to delete and keep the storage space. Compute stick provides
different slots in order to input different storage devices like Sticks, Hard disks etc.
3.3 VISUALISATION
Visualisation is possible with the help HDMI port,Stick is plugged into a HDMI display
the display is transformed to a computer by loading OS as same as the process that happens on
computer system. Generally HDMI ports are seen on the back side of devices like Television,
CPU etc.
HDMI port is generally used for Digital audio/video/data connection. In Compute Stick it is a
medium for connecting to the port. In HDMI the resolution is limited by the availability of
Bandwidth.HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a proprietary audio/video
interface for transferring uncompressed video data and compressed or uncompressed digital
audio data from an HDMI complaint source device such as a display controller, to a compatible
computer monitor, video projector, digital television, or digital audio device .
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THE HDMI ADVANTAGE
HDMI technology is the global standard for connecting high-definition equipment. HDMI is
the intelligent, all-digital interface that delivers both dazzling quality and unmatched ease of
use. Unlike older cables, an HDMI connection transmits uncompressed audio-video data in 100
percent digital form. That adds up to world-class viewing experience, with pixel-for-pixel
video accuracy and audiophile-quality sound.
1080p and beyond - HDMI is built to accommodate extremely high-resolution video, with
bandwidth to spare for the next generation of HD equipment.
The Compute Stick is essentially a complete PC, but in the compact form factor of a slightly
large pen drive. It connects to a TV via HDMI, but also has to be powered with a micro USB
cord.
Intel wants to help you turn any TV into a Windows PC, for the low cost of $149. All it takes
is a little stick, Meet the all-new Intel Compute Stick.
Here’s a quick look at the important specs:
Processor
Powered by a 1.83 GHz Quad Core Intel Atom Processor and 2 GB RAM, this compute stick
has been designed to deliver a smooth performance whether you're playing games, making
presentations or watching videos on YouTube. This processor also supports Intel Virtualization
Technology (Intel VT-x).
Audio and graphics
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Whether you're watching videos or playing 3D games, the Intel HD Graphics delivers an
exceptional visual experience in HD clarity.
Experience the immersive Intel HD Audio via HDMI with multi-channel digital audio support.
What's better? You don't even need an audio card.
connectivity
Despite the compact size, this Intel device offers a variety of connectivity options. It has a
USB 2.0 port for connecting peripherals and a microSD card slot for additional storage.
Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi enable wireless connectivity
32GB emmc flash storage
About emmc
Designed for a wide range of applications in consumer electronics, mobile phones, handheld
computers, navigational systems and other industrial uses, e.MMC is an embedded non-volatile
memory system, comprised of both flash memory and a flash memory controller, which
simplifies the application interface design and frees the host processor from low-level flash
memory management. This benefits product developers by simplifying the non-volatile
memory
OPERATING SYSTEM
Hp uses windows 8.1 os .which helps duel screen experience more exiting
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Windows 8.1 (codenamed Blue) is an upgrade for Windows 8, a version of Windows NT, a
computer operating systemreleased by Microsoft. First unveiled and released as a public beta
in June 2013, it was released to manufacturing on August 27, 2013, and reached general
availability on October 17, 2013, almost a year after the retail release of its predecessor.
Windows 8.1 is available free of charge for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows RT users
via the Windows Store. Unlike service packs on previous versions of Windows, users who
obtained 8 outside of retail copies or pre-loaded installations (i.e.,volume licensing) must
obtain 8.1 through new installation media from their respective subscription or enterprise
channel. Microsoft's support lifecycle policy treats Windows 8.1 similar to previous service
packs of Windows: It is part of Windows 8's support lifecycle, and installing 8.1 is required to
maintain access to support and Windows updates after January 12, 2016. However, unlike
previous service packs, Windows 8.1 cannot be acquired via Windows Update and only
accepts 8.1-specific product keys.
Released as part of a shift by Microsoft towards regular yearly major updates for its software
platforms and services, Windows 8.1 aims to address complaints of Windows 8 users and
reviewers on launch. Visible enhancements include an improved Start screen, additional snap
views, additional bundled apps, tighter OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) integration, Internet
Explorer 11, a Bing-powered unified search system, restoration of a visible Start button on
the taskbar, and the ability to restore the previous behavior of opening the user's desktop on
login instead of the Start screen. Windows 8.1 also added support for such emerging
technologies as high-resolution displays, 3D printing, Wi-Fi Direct, and Miracast streaming.
Windows 8.1 received relatively positive reception, with critics praising the expanded
functionality available to apps in comparison to 8, its OneDrive integration, along with its user
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interface tweaks and the addition of expanded tutorials for operating the Windows 8 interface.
Despite these improvements, 8.1 was still criticized for not addressing all digressions of
Windows 8 (such as a poor level of integration between Metro-style apps and the desktop
interface), and the potential privacy implications of the expanded use of online services.
Specifications of Intel Compute Stick STCK1A32WFC - Windows 8.1 Bing (Black)