The INTEL Compute Stick

The Intel Compute Stick is basically a mini-computer that connects to a HDMI port (like the one on your TV) and was first unveiled at CES 2015.While the Intel Compute Stick can fit in the palm of your hand, it's what we fit inside of it that is truly remarkable. A quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor and your choice of operating systems: Windows* 8.1, Windows® 10 or Ubuntu* 14.04 LTS.

The Windows version includes 2 GB memory, 32 GB of on-board storage and comes with McAfee® Antivirus Plus for comprehensive protection from Trojans, viruses, spyware and more. The Ubuntu version has 1 GB memory and 8 GB of on-board storage. Both devices come with Wi-Fi* and Bluetooth* for connectivity, a USB port to connect peripherals and a micro SD card slot for additional storage.

Intel gave it plenty of visibility with the release of its Compute Stick early this year, and Lenovo joined this week with its announcement of the Ideacentre Stick 300. Now French device maker Archos, which has tried valiantly to make a name for itself with Android and Windows tablets and the like over the years, is jumping in quickly with a stick of its own.

A bit of a turf war is emerging between Windows-based stick PCs and Google-related OS flavors. Dell's Wyse division has offered an Android PC stick since early last year, and Asus is producing a Chromebit stick running the search giant's Chrome OS. Intel also offers a Linux edition of the Compute Stick, though at $110, it's still pricier than Archos' PC Stick, which doesn't have an official release date yet.