Intel, Asus and Google have decided to make high performance computing even more portable and convenient thanks to the announcement of Intel's Compute Stick and Google Chromebit, which will be delivered by Asus. Currently, Intel's Compute Stick is up for pre-order, and comes in two pricing variants. For running Windows 8.1, the product is going to carry a $149 price tag and $89 for the Linux version. While the exact pricing details of Asus Chromebit have not yet been detailed, it is expected that the product will carry a price tag that will be $100 or less and will be running Google's Chrome OS.
In terms of functionality, all that users are required to do with Intel's Compute Stick is stick it in to an HDMI port of a monitor or television set. What that also means is that if users' monitors or television sets do not possess an HDMI port, then they can purchase inexpensive HDMI adapters in order to connect the Compute Stick effortlessly. Asus Chromebit also requires to be plugged in to an HDMI port. However, there are some features of Intel's product that make it the better purchase.
For one thing, the $149 Compute Stick is running Windows 8.1, while Asus Chromebit will be running Google's Chrome OS. In terms of convenience and functionality, Microsoft's Windows 8.1 is the better platform. Additionally, Compute Stick also features the following:
- USB 2.0 port
- microUSB 2.0 port
- microSD slot
- 802.11 n Wi-Fi adapter
- Bluetooth 4.0
Asus Chromebit might feature an 802.11 ac Wi-Fi adapter, which performs far better than 802.11 n, but is void of a microSD slot and does not feature a microUSB 2.0 port. Intel's offering also possesses better hardware specifications, allowing users to gain more performance from their portable computing experience. While Compute Stick is currently running Intel's Atom SoC, it is possible that the tech firm will be incorporating its Core M processors in updated versions, allowing for a more fluid computing session.
