Intel Compute Stick

100% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Small, eye-catching design ; microSD card slot

Only one USB port ; Sluggish performance ; Requires Bluetooth peripherals

We’re looking forward to seeing what the second edition is capable of.

Tiny form factor ; Can tweak BIOS ; Value for money

Form factor is controversial ; Fan isn't ideal ; Performance wasn't impressive

The Compute Stick is a niche product – one that will have fans and detractors. It has flaws and compromises, and far too many to make it an indisputable 'buy now' product. Wait until the next version, and we shall reconsider our verdict.

This upgraded Intel Compute Stick has a faster Core m3 processor and extra USB ports on its power brick.

It's much more expensive than the original Atom versions, and loses one USB port on the stick itself. Onboard storage is minimal.

The latest Intel Compute Stick takes a big leap forward in power -- and price -- while still being capable of turning any TV into a PC when not traveling in your pocket.

The pocket-size Intel Compute Stick adds several improvements for its second generation, and it works great for casual Web surfing and HD media streaming.

Very little storage, so installing apps or downloading movies is difficult. Despite the streamlined design, extra cables and adapters make for a tangled presentation.

Intel's revamped Compute Stick promises a computer in every pocket, just be prepared for an entry-level experience, although it's still fine for email, social media and movies.

The Intel Compute Stick excels as a media streaming, Web-browsing machine, and it's a $150 PC that can fit into your pocket.

The tablet-grade performance isn't suitable for heavy tasks, and spotty Bluetooth connectivity limit this PC's functionality.

This inexpensive PC is an exciting experiment, but the tablet hardware can't quite keep up with Intel's vision of a mini-PC.

Small; Cheap

Very poor performance; Cooling issues; Port clearance may be a problem; Somewhat limited connectivity

The Intel Compute Stick works well as a demonstration of just how small a PC can be, but it's only half a computer and not the good half either

Good for basic web browsing ; microSD card slot for storage expansion ; Built-in Bluetooth

Keyboard and mouse not included ; Annoying set-up process ; Not powerful enough for serious multitasking ; HDMI dongle needed to fit into many displays ; Slower USB 2.0 port ; Slow Wi-Fi

The Intel Compute Stick is a neat way to turn any HDMI-equipped screen into a Windows 8.1 PC, but it's not worth the hassle.

Powerful enough for most computing tasks ; Inexpensive ; Very portable

2GB of RAM limits multi-tasking ; Still needs to be plugged into an AC adapter

Well, Intel did it. The Compute Stick bundles just about everything you'd need for a basic computer into a compact, inexpensive package, and unlike its predecessor, it works. It's no wonder we named it one of our Best of CES finalists this year. If you...

Inexpensive ; Works well for light tasks ; Very portable

Slows down quickly ; Only one USB port ; Less useful than inexpensive laptops

After testing out the Compute Stick for a few weeks, I was reminded of Intel's first foray into mobile processors. For years it showed off ugly prototype phones at CES and other tech conventions that nobody in their right mind would buy. They were just...

Small enough to fit behind a monitor ; Can play 1080p video smoothly ; Inexpensive

Poor performance ; Not enough ports ; Limited storage ; Far too expensive for media streaming

Can the Compute Stick be your sole computer? Yes, absolutely. It can run everything any other affordable desktop can except games. The question is not whether this device can be your only PC, but whether you’d want it to be.