Intel has launched its Compute Stick mini-PC in India. The Window 8.1 variant of the device is now available via Flipkart at Rs. 9,999. The company has also launched an Ubuntu-based variant of the device, but it's not available yet and there's no indication of price at the time of filing this report.
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. The Intel Compute Stick with Windows 8.1 is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom processor with integrated Intel HD Graphics, coupled with 2GB of DDR3 RAM. It comes with 32GB of inbuilt storage and also bears a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
In terms of connectivity, the Intel Compute Stick features a USB 2.0 port, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.0, and connects to TVs or monitors via its HDMI 1.4a port. The Linux variant is identical to the Windows 8.1 variant, but features 8GB of storage and 1GB of DDR3 RAM.
Intel's Compute Stick with Windows 8.1 appears to be identical to the iBall Splendo PC-on-a-Stick, which was
launched in June at Rs. 8,999. Intel also appears to be pointing to this, with its launch statement saying the Compute Stick will be available via iBall as well.
On the launch of the Intel Compute Stick, Rajiv Bhalla - Director, Sales and Marketing - Intel South Asia said: "Intel continues to look for great ways to deliver new product opportunities for our end users and channel partners. The Intel Compute Stick takes computing to the next level and helps deliver the best computing experience possible in an incredibly small device. It brings computing to new devices and environments, transforming the way, when and how we compute. We are extremely pleased to bring this revolutionary device to India."