Looking for a computing solution for the living room but don’t want the bulk of a desktop? Look no further than the new PC Stick from Archos. Costing a mere $99, the device measures just 4.45 inches long and connects to any TV or monitor with a HDMI port. The device also includes Windows 10 right out of the box, indicating that this Archos solution may not arrive until late July.
According to Archos, customers can connect a keyboard, mouse or another input device via the PC Stick’s USB port. The company also mentions that users can connect their smartphone or tablet and use it as a keyboard no matter the operating system. There’s also a microUSB port presumably for powering the device.
In addition to those features, the Archos PC Stick comes packed with a dual-core Intel Atom Z3735F SoC clocked at 1.3 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, a surprising 32 GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expanding the already generous storage limit. The device is also Bluetooth 4.0 “Smart Ready” and provides RF and Wi-Fi connectivity.
As a comparison, Intel’s ComputeStick ships with Windows 8.1 with Bing, keeping the overall price low. The device is also powered by Intel’s Z3735F chip and includes 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 4.0 and Wireless N connectivity and a USB 2.0 port.
Based on the hardware comparison, Archos seems to be selling the same hardware configuration but with a different casing and the Archos logo stamped on the front. Heck, even Intel has its name on the device.
“Companies have constantly pushed boundaries to make computers smaller, and we’ve taken this challenge to the next level by offering a matchbox-sized PC for less than $100,” says Loic Poirier, CEO of Archos. “Mobility is at the center of our lifestyles and the PC Stick allows us to be on-the-go and productive.”
Do you really need a PC crammed into a stick? Again, this device would be a great addition to the living room if you want to surf the web, watch videos or listen to music without having to give up a chunk of space. Even more, this device would be great on business trips and for students who don’t want to use a laptop or desktop.
Unfortunately, Archos doesn’t provide a release date, but the device will presumably be offered on July 29 if not sometime shortly thereafter.
From maximumpc
from http://bit.ly/1RALc2M
