SYDNEY: Intel is muscling into the PC-on-a-stick market with the release of the Compute Stick, its version of a pocket PC that resembles a USB stick in size and weight
Intel had disclosed that there were two versions of the Compute Stick – one with a “full blown” Windows 8.1 OS, while the second one would come with Linux and lesser price. Amazon has opened pre-order right now, with an in-stock date of May 6th.
However, if you order the Windows version right now, it will cost you $180 along with shipping, which is a handsome $30 more than Intel’s retail price. If this cost dent raised your eyebrows, here you go: the Linux Stick would cost you $180 plus shipping, when the actual retail price is suggested at just $89.
Newegg, another retailer has so far listed only the Windows version of the Compute Stick for $150, but has no estimated delivery date declared.
But for all the tech gadget aficionados out there, while the price tag may be a bummer, they would be already accustomed to such setbacks for early tries of the products. However, if you compare the offerings of the device against the actual retail price, the whole “PC in a stick” deal is actually pretty awesome.
Dongle PC is one budding field that many companies are going to invest their resources in, specially after Intel’s Compute Stick and Google’s recent announcement of the launch of a similar device – Chromebit – in summers.
