At last, users of the Operating System Windows will also be able to enjoy the simple portability that Linux users already have. Lenovo has come up with an oversized memory stick – the new Stick 300. Actually, instead of being just an oversized memory stick, Stick 300 is full-fledged Windows PC. Although the specifications are rather low-end, the ideastick from Lenovo makes it up with being portable and having a more appealing price tag.
Obviously, the tiny chassis cannot offer an exciting hardware. However, Stick 300 runs on an Intel Atom Processor, Z3735F, with 2GB of RAM and has 32GB of storage. And, with the ideastick Stick 300, you can transform your HDMI-TV or monitor into a fully functional Windows PC. Since Stick 300 is only 100x38x15mm in dimension, it is portable and affordable. You can easily take it along when on vacations and use it as a media hub.
Initially, Stick 300 will ship with Windows 8.1, but it will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10. You do not need to bother about connectivity, as Stick 300 has both Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 built-in. It also has a micro SD card slot and a tiny speaker.
Stick 300 is comparable to other products in the market. This includes Compute Stick from Intel, which they had released in March and an Ubuntu Linux powered lower-end option. Therefore, if you are in the market looking for an ultra-portable Windows solution, Stick 300 is a simple and functional option.
On its side, the Stick 300 has a USB 2.0 socket, which allows you to use your keyboard and mouse wirelessly; that is, if your monitor or TV is not touch-enabled. Powering up is through a second micro USB port. The hardware included is good enough for browsing the web, watching Netflix and even doing some light gaming. Therefore, instead of lugging along a hefty notebook on the road, you can conveniently carry the Stick 300 and plug it into a TV in a hotel for a spot of catching up.
In comparison, Compute Stick from Intel is also an entire PC crammed inside an HDMI stick, which you can fit in your palm. The Compute Stick instead uses an Intel Atom quad-core processor. It has a full-fledged USB 2.0 port on one side and a micro USB port on the other for powering up. However, the Lenovo Stick 300 is $20 cheaper.
If you can do with somewhat lower specifications, there is another stick with the Ubuntu 14.04 LTS OS on it. Since it has 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage, the Ubuntu stick is less expensive than those from Lenovo or Intel. For keeping it cool, the Ubuntu stick has vents on top and sides. It also has a tiny fan for circulating air.
You may have to use the included HDMI cable to connect the stick to your TV, as most TVs do not have much space surrounding the HDMI socket that will accommodate the width of your portable stick computer. In addition, since all these sticks have only one USB port, you will need a unifying wireless solution – such as from Logitech – to get both your keyboard and mouse connected.
