An Intel Compute Stick with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS installed
Don’t feel like carrying around a notebook on your next business trip? You might want to take a look at the Intel Compute Stick, a computing solution that can be carried in a pocket or purse. Even more, it can plug into an HDMI port on any HDTV or monitor, making it a great addition your collection of mobile devices.
That said, Intel plans to release an Ubuntu version of its Compute Stick next week. This release follows the introduction of Intel’s Compute Stick with Windows 8.1 with Bing earlier this year, which costs a mere $149. This Ubuntu version will cost only $110, but the hardware specs are slightly lower than the vanilla Intel version launched months ago.
So let’s do a comparison. According to the specs, the Ubuntu stick is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom Z3735F processor and 1GB of DDR3L RAM. The device also provides 8GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot for additional storage, a full-size USB 2.0 port, a microUSB port for power, and a built-in HDMI 1.4a connector. The device even provides Bluetooth 4.0 and Wireless N connectivity.
As for the Windows 8.1 version of Intel’s Compute Stick, this solution is also powered by the Intel Atom Z3735F processor. However, this model has 2GB of DDR3L RAM, 32GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot for additional storage. There’s also the full-size USB 2.0 port, the microUSB port, Bluetooth 4.0, and Wireless N connectivity.
Essentially, the Ubuntu offering has less RAM and internal storage than the Windows model, hence the smaller price tag.
Still, whether it’s the Ubuntu model or the Windows 8.1 version, customers can plug in a keyboard, a mouse, or some other input device thanks to the full USB 2.0 port. Users can also use Bluetooth to connect a peripheral, completing a desktop experience without the desktop.
“Consumers are looking for a more personal, flexible, and cost-effective computing experience, and also looking for a choice of OS,” Jane Silber, CEO of Canonical said. “It’s great to see Ubuntu become part of the Compute Stick family. This is another example of how we’re working with Intel to bring a wide range of devices to market to give as many people as possible the chance to discover Ubuntu.”
The Compute Stick with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS will be made available across the globe next week by way of “major online and retail stockists.”
From maximumpc
from http://bit.ly/1HAgk39
