Computer sticks, sometimes referred to as stick computers, stick PCs, Android-on-a-Stick and Android mini-PCs, have rapidly evolved from their spotty and less appealing reputation to having a popular and widely-distributed status.
By simply connecting a stick to a TV or a monitor's HDMI input, a person can start working on a secondary PC or media center in a matter of minutes. They also offer the freedom for to work in any location as they are portable enough to carry around in a pocket.
While it's true that the market currently offers a plethora of computer sticks, four in particular truly stand out. These are the Chromebit, Compute Stick, MK903V TV Stick and the Rikomagic V5.
Chromebit. Priced less than $100, the Chromebit works by simply plugging the device into a TV. Sized smaller than a candy bar, the device delivers a full computing experience and is even a perfect upgrade for a desktop. Its portability and affordability make it useful for schools and businesses. The device is scheduled for a summer launch by ASUS.
Compute Stick. The Compute Stick comes in the form of a dongle that can easily plug into an HDMI port to deliver full computing capability. It is now available for preorder and has an official release date set for April 24. The device was unveiled by Intel at the CES in January and features an Intel Atom quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. It comes in versions of Windows 8.1 and Linux with retail prices set at $149 and $89 respectively. Once it is plugged into a monitor's HDMI port and paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, the user can enjoy a full computing experience
MK903V TV Stick. The MK903V TV stick, a minute device that resembles a USB drive, easily connects to any HDTV through the HDMI port. It also needs to be plugged into a power source. Once it's plugged in, users can run any number of Android apps on their TV. Notable features include Android 4.4 KitKat, 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB internal storage, a single microSD card slot, HDMI 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, USB and micro USB ports. Its retail price is $122 and he device comes with a remote control.
Rikomagic V5. The Rikomagic V5 is plugged straight into a TV, allowing the user to enjoy a number of TV shows, movies, apps, games, music, pictures and more. Packed with a blazing fast Rockchip3188, the device delivers an impressive snappy performance that can rival even some high-end PCs. Retail price is set at $87.
