Intel Compute Stick is finally available for pre-order on US based online merchants such as Amazon and Newegg with prices starting at $109.99 and up excluding shipping and two versions with either Linux or Windows 8.1.
Both versions of the device share most of the specifications:
- SoC – Intel Atom Z3735F Quad-Core “Bay Trail” processor @ 1.33 GHz (1.83 GHz burst frequency) and Intel HD Graphcis
- System Memory – 2 GB DDR3 (Windows) or 1 GB DDR3 (Linux)
- Storage – 32 GB eMMC (Windows) or 8 GB eMMC (Linux) + micro SD slot
- Video & Audio Output – HDMI 1.4a
- Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 port, 1x micro USB port for power
- Misc – Power button
- Power Supply – 5V/2A via micro USB port.
- Dimensions and Weight – N/A
The Windows 8.1 model is codenamed BOXSTCK1A32WFCR, comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC and sells between $150 and $180, while the Linux model (BOXSTCK1A8LFCR) features 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage, and goes for $110 to $130. There’s no word on which exact Linux distributions is installed on the stick. The Linux version of Intel Compute Stick runs Ubuntu 14.04. Delivery is expected on April 24 on Newegg, and May 5 on Amazon. The 8GB Linux version can also be found on a site called Zones for $101.99. That’s still significantly higher than the $89 price tag promised during Intel’s announcement.
Since Intel went with Atom Z3735F, those of us with a mini PC or stick such as MeLE PCG03 or MeegoPad T01 who want to run Linux, should finally get HDMI audio working… [Update: I’ve been informed you can check the drivers and UEFI binary for Windows 8.1 and Linux, so maybe something interesting will show up there in due time]
Via Liliputing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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