Intel’s Compute Stick could be one of the best computers to buy in 2016 for both the small business owner and the homeowner. Don’t let the name fool you, Intel’s Compute Stick is much more than a “stick.” Actually, it is an all in one computer, a full Windows PC computer, just a bit larger in profile than a Memory Stick. To use it, one simply needs to plug it into any device that has an HDMI port, like a computer monitor or flat screen TV. Intel’s has marketed itself for years with the brands it partners with by displaying the sticker “Intel Inside,” which has become synonymous with “everything you could possibly need from a CPU, Central Processing Unit.” Intel’s Compute Stick doesn’t deviate from this.
If you have a student in your home that needs to collaborate on a school project at a friend’s home and taking the family laptop over there is an issue, your student could easily take his or her Intel Compute Stick, plug into their friends computer monitor or TV to collaborate. Or, say you have a three person outside sales force, “Road Warriors,” that spend more time using a hotel room or client conference room as an office, this device provides the ability to work almost anywhere. Lastly, to peak your interest a little further, most people and small businesses have a flat screen TV in their living room, office lobby, showroom, or reception area. Others have a “smart” TV that takes the TV a step further providing viewing options like ROKU, Netflix, or streaming capabilities, with access to the internet, but not the ability to also run programs and software like PowerPoint, Word, Excel, just to name a few. But, the Intel Compute Stick enables it to. Plus, a TV doesn’t even need to be “smart” to use it. It is an “all in one” device. Best of all it is inexpensive, under $200, and is uncomplicated to integrate into existing systems and use. Simply plug it in HDMI port.
My tone above should not be construed as a carte blanche “rah- rah” for all things Intel. Every new and even time proven device has limitations and shortcoming. However, I do like to point out opportunities that can make my customer and client’s lives less complicated and expensive. Intel’s Compute Stick definitely offers both. My next post will address its one main limitation. For the purposes of this post, below are 5 observations and I’ve expounded upon notes others have made;
- Increase productivity, go paperless. You can work from home, on vacation, a hotel room, or office conference room with a HDMI port and monitor. Instead of printing, prepping and bringing 25 copies of a PowerPoint presentation, simply email selected documents on site (while in the room) to qualified decision makers.
- Mobile freedom, a “Road Warrior’s” best friend. Instead of lugging around a 4 pound laptop with its heavy power cord adapter, the Compute Stick is a 2 ounce mobile PC smaller than a Snickers bar, it fits in the palm of your hand and easily into your pants pocket.
- Allows you to access data from a “Cloud” based network, VPN compatible, and integrates with “offsite” networks (Joel Santo Domingo, 4 Cool Things You Can do with the Intel Compute Stick, April 23rd, 2015, www.pcmag.com).
- Uncomplicated applications for service based businesses (you go to the customer or client’s location, i.e. outside sales rep.), location based businesses (your customer or clients come to your location, i.e. a dentist, shoe shop, auto repair shop), and the homeowner. The Compute Stick can be used to stream video from online subscription services like Netflix’s, Amazon Prime Video, HBO NOW, and live sports events like FIFA.com and MLB.TV (provided you have a subscription), and play games, WITHOUT NEEDING A “SMART TV.” Many Flash, HTML5, and utility games are accessible and playable too. (Joel Santo Domingo, 4 Cool Things You Can do with the Intel Compute Stick, April 23rd, 2015, www.pcmag.com). Plus you can run programs like PowerPoint and others for digital signage messaging. Thus, assuming you have WI-FI and a TV or computer monitor with an HDMI port in your lobby, showroom, bedroom or living room, “wa lah” you have an interactive entertainment system, educational platform or message delivery system all in one device. Imagine how much of your office operating budget or home entertainment costs might decrease without a cable bill or by continuing to use your perfectly good 48” flat screen TV that is not a “smart” TV.
Feel free to contact me with any questions via email at randy@rbsmn.com. RB’s Computer Service sells the Intel Compute Stick as well as the best laptop computers, best desktop computers, business computers, computer parts and computer monitors. We also provide managed IT services, computer repair, iPhone and smartphone repair to customers and clients throughout central Minnesota and St. Cloud.