Earlier this year, Intel released the Compute Stick, the USB-sized PC that ran on Windows 8. Asus has now responded by presenting VivoStick, the tiniest PC ever produced, and it works on Windows 10.
It measures 138 x 34 x 15mm, weighs only 0.15 pounds and comes in three colors: white, blue and black. Under the little hood, the technical specs show 2 GB of DDR3L RAM, 32 GB of storage space, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, and microUSB for charging. A headphone jack is also present, if needed for an audio setup. Everything is built on a dongle that fits the HDMI port of the TV. It is still unclear whether HDMI 1.0, 2.0, or both can support the device.
Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11n Wi-Fi support are available, covering multiple connectivity possibilities. The Cherry Trail Atom processor and graphics come from Intel, which means that the device aims to be a robust, functional, quick solution when a more powerful PC is not available. The price is competitive: while you can purchase Compute Stick from Intel for $150, Asus promises that VivoStick will cost only $129.
On the first look, the possible downsize of the device is the low memory channel, which directly impacts the visual quality and performance. Also, the Windows 10 installation might occupy a consistent part of the 32 GB. However, the existing USB connections can accommodate a wireless mouse and keyboard as well as an external drive, if additional storage space is needed.
Asus provides photos, technical details and an approximate price, but avoids announcing the release date for VivoStick. Rumors say that this will happen this September, during the IFA 2015 exhibition, in Berlin.
VivoStick will never replace a standard workstation, nor does it aspire to. It is a cool and easy way to have a Windows PC in your inside pocket, and a neat mode of upgrading a standard TV set. Ideal for movies, parties, console-type games or quizzes, the mobile gadget enables you to turn your living room into an entertainment area instantly.
It is highly possible to see the further development of PC sticks like the VivoStick in the future, provided that their prices go down and performances keep improving.
