The Intel Compute Stick (Core m3-6Y30) Review
by Ganesh T S on June 27, 2016 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Systems
- Intel
- Core M
- Skylake
- HDMI Stick
- Compute Stick
Miscellaneous Aspects and Concluding Remarks
Intel has also been putting some effort on the software side for the Compute Stick platform. One of the main problems with the platform is the limited availability of USB ports. This is somewhat alleviated in the Core M version, thanks to the two USB 3.0 ports in the power adapter. In certain situations (such as the 'entertainment' use-case), the consumer often has a second screen available (either a tablet or a smartphone). Intel has a free Android / iOS app - the Intel Remote Keyboard - to take advantage of the second screen.
The host application comes pre-installed on the Compute Stick and is active at startup as a service. Therefore, one can use it to even enter credentials for system login. It allows the second screen keyboard to act as the primary keyboard for the Compute Stick and the screen itself to act as a trackpad for the mouse pointer on the Compute Stick's display. In our evaluation, the app worked well. Our only wish is for the in-built keyboard in the app to have a 'Tab' key, and the keyboard to work properly when using a Powershell or Command Prompt window.
Moving on to the business end of the review, we complained in our previous Compute Stick reviews that 32GB of primary storage does not cut it on any computing device other than a tablet or smartphone. Fortunately, the Core m3-6Y30 Compute Stick solves that problem. The two USB 3.0 ports on the power adapter are very welcome. The Wi-Fi solution (2x2 AC8260 802.11ac PCIe WLAN) is also top-notch. The system is also able to bitstream HD audio for HTPC applications. BIOS options t have fine-grained control over the fans is also a nice aspect. Performance-wise, it is hard to find faults when keeping the form factor in mind.
The only complaint we have is the $390 price point. Even though that price includes the OS license, we find it difficult to recommend it in the home PC market - the Cherry Trail Compute Stick and the other sub-$150 Compute Sticks look to be a better option.
However, the SMB / enterprise market might find the Core M Compute Sticks more to their liking. Price is not such a huge deterrent in that market. The availability of vPro features (in the Core m5 model) and TPM (trusted platform module) shows that Intel intends these systems to be primarily adopted in that market segment.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
105 Comments
View All Comments
andrewaggb - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
pretty much sums it up. The atoms are just not fast enough, I have a couple quad core atom devices and it's just slightly too slow. I have a core-m 5th gen laptop and it's usable. I still think it's actually just bordering on too slow, but for the most part I'm ok with it. I certainly wouldn't want anything slower than that.woggs - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
"keep it off till needed"Till means to turn over dirt.
"Drivers and BIOS updates are available for download [ ] on Intel's website."
Is there supposed to be a link in there?
ganeshts - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
Thanks for the note. I have fixed the download link.As for 'till', the definition you provided is just one of the four possible meanings. Please refer: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/am...
woggs - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
Heh... Oxford has given up...watzupken - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
This would have been a great compact HTPC for its size. However, I think it is very overpriced for its performance to be honest.fanofanand - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
So close. The waiting game will continue, I just want a device that can be used for streaming and surfing the web, with a few super basic (low settings) games my kids can play. I want that but at $200 or less. My wife's laptop would beat the crap out of this thing (I know, different form factor) for 25% less $. Intel needs a seismic shift in strategy, the days of 70%+ margins are over.tipoo - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
I'm seeing a common trend with the Skull Candy NUC. The hardware is interesting enough for me to want to toy around with, but the pricing just pushes them over the interest range. It looks like Intel is making these to try to push their margins up rather than try to gain significant self-built hardware marketshare.
Actually, if partners keep screwing the pooch, they should pull a Surface (not the concept, but the idea of vertical integration) and make some great laptops and desktops.
jwcalla - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
Just out of curiosity... are any of the reviews here at AT paid for by the product's company?jihe - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
The Apple ones. Then again, given the fanboism of AT, they probably paid Apple double to review their products.ganeshts - Monday, June 27, 2016 - link
Nope. No review on AT has ever been paid for by anybody.