The first computers in "dongle" format hit the market using ARM chips, but as months passed, the x86 variants are the ones that catch our attention. Intel Compute Stick had a couple of interesting ideas, but it suffered all the pains of a first-generation product. Now, the Asus VivoStick wants to change that situation with the help of the recent Cherry Trail series and Windows 10 as the operating system.
The rise of dongle PCs
Computer manufacturers have discovered extraordinary ways to reduce their size. While the most demanding enthusiasts are comfortable with large towers that offer flexibility in hardware configuration, most consumers are interested in "get the computer out of the way" as much as possible. This desire gave rise to things like All-in-Ones and ultraportable systems, but now they are joined by the mini-computers in dongle format. Originally intended to provide intelligence to televisions with HDMI ports, today these dongles host relatively complete platforms with general-purpose operating systems instead of modified mobile environments. As Intel continues to miniaturize its processors and Microsoft keeps Windows requirements in line, the idea of integrating these computers into a monitor to create our own AIO is not so far-fetched.
Asus VivoStick: specs and price
After the not-so-glorious debut of the Intel Compute Stick, Asus announces its VivoStick. The two most important differences compared with Intel's product lie in the processor and the operating system. Asus decided to drop the Bay Trail chip in favor of a Cherry Trail SoC whose exact model has not been disclosed, and naturally we discovered the effective replacement of Windows 8.1 with Bing, giving way to Windows 10 Home. Asus came to the conclusion that an additional USB port was necessary, but in the process it sacrificed the microSD slot, and with only 32 gigabytes of internal storage, the user will be forced to "count bytes", or alternatively, use one of the USB ports with a low-profile USB flash drive.
The RAM in the Asus VivoStick is 2 GB, its connectivity is compatible with WiFi n and BT 4.0, it weighs about 70 grams, and it will be available in three different colors. Apparently, the images do not represent the final design of the computer, since Asus is still studying whether the cooling should be active or passive. The official price announced is 129 dollars, but its release date is a mystery.
