At CES 2017, Intel presented many hardware innovations, but one of the most striking was its Compute Card, promising quick and uncomplicated upgrades for a wide range of devices that need to improve performance in ever-shorter cycles. Five months later, at Computex 2017, the Santa Clara giant decided to share additional details with the public, revealing the general specifications of its four models and the launch month.
The Upgrade Problem
Internet of Things, smart devices, ultraportable computers… they all share something in common: once their hardware configuration is set, it's very unlikely to be changed. In other words, the upgrade potential is zero, requiring a complete replacement of the unit. This not only aggravates the delicate situation of electronic waste and planned obsolescence, but it's also expensive for any user's wallet. The business world doesn't look kindly on these restrictions either. No company likes to retire entire terminals for compatibility and security reasons when most components are still in good condition. What is Intel's solution to this problem? Integrate a computer into a card.
A Card That Keeps Evolving
The Compute Card remained relatively off the radar after its presentation at CES 2017. Personally, I hoped it wouldn't become another lost concept. Fortunately, Intel revealed several details about the project's status at Computex 2017, where it was possible to see several prototypes working with the Compute Card as the central piece. ECS, Foxconn, LG, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are some of the companies planning to launch compatible products, and they won't be limited to computers: we should also think about tablets, point-of-sale systems, and even refrigerators.
The Four Initial Models
The four initial versions of the Compute Card will have 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, WiFi ac connectivity, and Bluetooth support. The two smaller models are based on the Celeron N3450 and the Pentium N4200 (64 GB of storage for both), while the other two (with a 128 GB SSD) use the Core m3-7Y30 and the Core i5-7Y57. Intel decided to stay silent about the price of each Compute Card, but did confirm that distribution will begin in August.
