Intel came up with one of its most interesting products last year at CES: the compute stick. This mini PC comes equipped with an HDMI port that can turn any monitor into a computer. Now at CES 2016, the chip maker has not unveiled anything new related to this product but has made it a bit better.
Mobile PCs a growing segment
At CES, Intel unveiled three new Compute Sticks. The chip maker claims the new Sticks have faster processors and stronger Wi-Fi capabilities. Along with the internals, the hardware has also been improved with a sleek new matte body with more ports than the one launched last year. Intel’s new Compute Sticks are 4.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, making them very handy.
Mobile PCs are a growing segment now. We can expect more players to jump as the market grows as PCs are not only used for computing. There are rumors that Intel is working on a mobile PC for gaming as well.
More powerful Compute Sticks from Intel
The base model of the new Compute Stick, which costs $159, is powered by an Atom x5-z8400, comes with 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage, and could come either without an OS or with Windows 10 preinstalled. The stick now comes with two USB ports: one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0. Last year’s Stick had just one USB 2.0 port. The new Intel Stick now also supports dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, giving it a relatively stronger connection.
Other new Compute Sticks are more powerful with one running on a Core m3 chip while the other runs on a Core m5 processor. Both sticks are marginally bigger than the Compute Stick with the Atom chip in it. Both powerful ones have 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, but they have just one port (USB 3.0). This is no issue as Intel is adding a couple of USB ports in its power charger.
Of the 23 analysts covering Intel stock, 11 rate it a Buy, zero rate it a Sell, while 12 consider it a Hold. The highest price target on the chip maker is $60, while the lowest is $25.
On Wednesday, Intel shares closed down 2.22% at $33.08. Year to date, the stock is down by over 2%, while in the last month, it is down by over 5%.
