The Compute Stick behaves as one would expect a quad core Atom to perform. I've had 2 of them plus a Chinese version, the Mele PCG-01, running mostly non-stop for three weeks as part of a digital signage development project.
The Intel is plastic and actually has a tiny fan, while the Mele is metal, no fan, has an additional micro USB port (1 micro usb power port, 1 micro usb host port, 1 full size host port), plus the added bonus of an external wireless antenna.
The Intel comes with a wall wart USB power supply, and a HDMI extender cable, and a HDMI coupler. The Mele kit omits the extender.
The devices perform well on video playback. The Intel wireless radio isn't great in a congested office environment, experiencing sporadic disconnects, while the Mele has been solid. On the Intel, we find the wireless works better with Bluetooth turned off.
Skype audio/video works fine on either model. As is expected, Flash, Java, and moronic video ad heavy pages will load at a snail's pace if you have autoplay enabled.
The USB host port is 2.0 and can support a USB/Ethernet combo hub for more connectivity options.
This device would be an acceptable alternative to SmartTV apps, Roku, Chrome Stick, Firestick or Apple TV if you need more than canned entertainment apps but not full powered PC on your TV.
It would also serve as a light duty shack PC to control radios, run HRD, loggers, spotters, etc.
The next gen Intel Stick out in Q4 2015 will be a Core M, supposedly the same-ish price point.
Thanks for that in depth review, it certainly gives me a good idea of what to expect.
I am getting a little shell shocked by these really tiny devices. I purchased a USB Wifi dongle, one of those tiny ones that stick out about 1/2 inch and man is that thing a piece of crap. Now keep in mind out of about 20 units I looked at on Amazon this one had the best reviews and the most reviews. Unfortunately just like all the one star reviews said, it overheats and disconnects after a few days. So now its unplug and reset every three days.
Sure it would be great if you needed it for an old laptop that you shut off after a few hours of use, hence all the 5 star reviews but I needed it for something that was on 24/7. I am now thinking of opening it up and seeing if its a single chip heating problem. Maybe I can use some thermal epoxy and glue a tiny heatsink on it. All the other models had the same complaint except in much larger numbers.
73s
Rob
