Intel Compute Stick, a sold out success?

Intel announced the Intel Compute Stick in January and released the device last week. Positive reviews have not been hard to find but what has been difficult to find has been the device itself.

The Intel Compute Stick provides a full Windows 8.1 experience in a tiny form factor that plugs into an available HDMI port on a TV or monitor. It includes a quad-core Intel Atom processor which provides Intel HD graphics and Intel HD audio. To compare it to a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick with the same form factor does not do it justice since it provides a full computing environment. The Compute Stick includes built-in storage with a Micro SDXC slot. Connectivity options include 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and a USB 2.0 port for other peripherals. With only one USB port, you might look into something like the Logitech Living Room Keyboard K830 to serve as your mouse and keyboard, designed to work in your living room.

The Compute Stick that launched last week includes Windows 8.1 with 2GB RAM and 32GB of storage built-in. In June, another edition of the Compute Stick will launch running Ubuntu with 1GB RAM and 8GB of storage built-in. The Windows edition is currently running $149 while the Linux variant will run $110.

The reviews have been positive, before people are even tapping into the potential of so much computing power in this form factor and at this price point, and the empty shelves would indicate there is plenty of demand. If you’re interested in the Intel Compute Stick, where can you find one? In Intel’s announcement, they stated three retailers explicitly. They are currently sold out but you can continue to monitor their stock or pre-order their next arriving batch.

It looks like May 25th is a popular date for the next batch’s estimated arrival.