Intel has just made available for purchase the Compute Stick, a small device that packs a quad-core Intel Atom processor inside and runs Windows 8.1 with Bing. The device has been designed to transform any HDMI display into an entry computer capable of working apps, playing local or streamed content, driving basic digital signage or enabling thin clients. It supports Wireless 802.11 b/g/n, a microSD card rated to work with 128GB cards, MicroUSB power supply and Bluetooth 4.0 for keyboard and mouse.

The Compute Stick itself comes in two flavors. The most popular one is going to be the pricier version running 32-bit Windows 8.1 with Bing. That one packs a quad-core Atom Z3735F, 2GB of DDR3/1333 memory and 32GB of eMMC storage, plus integrated 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0. It's expected to sell for $150.

A Linux version running Ubuntu cuts main memory down to 1GB and sees storage fall all the way back to 8GB. Giving up the hardware though, will save you $40, as it's expected to sell for $110.

Paired with a good keyboard and mouse, the miniature device is a complete mini PC. Of course, don't expect a performance higher than what you may have already experienced by a typical Windows 8.1 tablet with a Bay Trail Atom inside. This means that you can run a browser, install plugins, and stream 1080p video. You can also run Office and even Photoshop.

But still, we are not very convinced about the usuability of the Compute Stick. It offers an affordable way to make your smart TV actually smart, but that's all.

As a pocket PC,,you still need a mouse and keyboard along with a TV/monitor in order to use it.