Intel is refreshing its Compute Stick lineup with new Skylake processors, and looks like it has addressed some other problems with the tiny computers as well. The form factor remains the same, but the addition of Core m processors may give the Compute stick the power boost it desperately needs.
The new Compute sticks will feature either an Intel Core m5 or m7 processor, with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. They will still only have one USB port, although reports indicate that Intel is adding two additional USB ports on the power charger. The company says that the Core m3 model will be able to output 4K video at 30Hz, although that is likely to depend on quite a few factors. Aside from that, the Core m5 variant will also feature VPro technology for hardware level security.
Intel is also introducing an Atom powered Compute Stick, which looks to be of the budget variety. Running an Intel Atom x5-8500, this Compute Stick only has 2GB RAM and 32GB of storage. However, it makes up for the less powerful internals by including a second USB port on the Compute Stick itself.
At the moment, only the new Atom powered Compute Stick is in production; and will retail for $159 (about RM700). The Core m versions are expected to go into production in February, and will be made available in the first quarter of 2016. The Core m3 variant will go for $399 (about RM1800) with Windows 10 pre-installed, while the Core m5 version will be priced at $499 (about RM2000) with no OS.
[Source: Intel]
