Several HDMI computer dongles have launched in recent times. Google’s Chromebit runs Chrome OS on any HDMI display while Intel’s Compute Stick is another new Windows offering that will likely rival the Archos PC Stick.
Archos has undercut Intel on price to the extent of a meaningful $50. Whereas the Compute Stick will take $150 from your wallet, the PC Stick will only require $99, or around £63 in the UK.
The two are actually very similar and use the same processor: the Intel Atom Z3735F. This chip is also used in nearly all budget Windows tablets, including the Linx 7 that I reviewed a couple of months ago. In my experience it copes admirably with all mobile computing tasks so should feel at home in the PC Stick.
The Archos PC Stick
Archos
The processor is paired with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a microSD card slot, full-size and micro USB ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. As TechRadar notes, to all intents and purposes this is a tablet without the display, cameras or battery.
Its ability to be used with any display you like will undoubtedly be the selling point of the PC Stick and its rivals. Its tiny size means that you could use it with a conventional monitor at home and then take it to work with you and use it to show a presentation, connected directly to a projector.
This style of device is likely to become more popular in the future as more manufacturers create them and consumers become aware of their presence. With such a small form factor and an unbeatably low price, computer dongles are arguably the most versatile device family yet, allowing you to run whatever you want on any display available.
