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PC makers have been shipping small form-factor computers powered by Intel’s Alder Lake-N processor for almost as long as Intel’s latest low-cost, low-power chips have been available. But the Azulle Access Pro Alder Lake is the first model that I’d call a PC Stick.
That’s because unlike other pocket–sized computers with Intel Alder Lake-N chips, the Azulle Access Pro is a small fanless computer that has an HDMI connector that lets you plug the computer directly into a TV or monitor. The only cable you need is a power cable.
The Azulle Access Pro Alder Lake is the latest in a line of PC sticks from Azulle. Earlier models were powered by Intel Atom or Celeron processors. The newest version features a 6-watt Intel N100 quad-core processor with Intel UHD integrated graphics. It’s available from the Azulle website for $290 and up, and comes with a few different configuration options:
- Intel N100 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB of storage for $290 and up
- Intel N100 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB of storage for $310 and up
For the 4GB/64GB model, Azulle lets you choose between Windows 11 Pro, Linux, or Windows 11 IoT with Zoom pre-installed for video conferencing. But the 8GB/128GB only seems to be available with Linux or Windows IoT/Zoom.
A few third-party retailers are also selling the Access Pro Alder Lake PC Stick, including AntOnline, Beach Audio, and B&H. But starting prices are higher at those stores since they don’t appear to be offering Linux models, so you’ll have to pay a bit more for a Windows license if you order from one of those shops. rations.
All models measure 114 x 51 x 20mm (4.5″ x 2″ x 0.8″) and weigh 130 grams (about 4.6 ounces), making this PC stick substantially larger than something like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, or Roku Streaming Stick. But the system is still pretty tiny by desktop computer standards.
But it is basically a desktop computer, complete with a set of ports that includes:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1 x HDMI 2.0 connector
- 1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
- 1 x 3.5mm audio
- 1 x microSD card reader
The system features LPDDR4 memory and eMMC storage onboard, neither of which is user upgradeable. But the microSD card and USB ports do offer ways to supplement the internal storage.
Wireless capabilities include support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
In other words, it should be reasonably easy to connect a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse if you want to use the PC stick as a computer. You can also connect a USB webcam for use as a video conferencing system. Or you could plug it into a TV and use it as a media center.
That said, the only thing that really sets this computer apart from slightly larger (but still tiny) devices like the Mele Quieter 4C that Ian reviewed recently is that the Azulle model has an HDMI connector rather than an HDMI port. So it’s designed to plug into a display without a cable.
But if you’re willing to opt for a model like the Mele Quieter 4C that does require an HDMI cable, you can save a lot of money and get a bit more versality – Mele’s mini PC measures just 131 x 81 x 18mm (5.2″ x 3.2″ x 0.7″) and has an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs.
And the Mele Quieter 4C is currently available from Amazon with prices starting at $180 for a model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It doesn’t cost much more to upgrade to 8GB/256GB or 16GB/512GB configurations.
via FanlessTech
Intel used to make PC stick computers. So this is really the first PC stick.
Only $20 to double the RAM and storage seems like a bargain upgrade.
Looks like a Fire TV Stick that’s been super-sizing its McMeals for several years 🤣
At first I thought it was the Wi-Fi antenna, then I realized it was the flush handle for the “toilet” of a machine.
It’s built on the bones of a much older unit, and for the price it should have 16GB of LPDDR5 and a serviceable M.2 2230 NVMe. 8GB is bare bottom for for Windows support in 2024, and an eMMC Will be crippling to the Alder Lake-N Celeron N100’s L3 cache.
There is a niche market, but It’s a poor excuse more than an advantage.
Been waiting for a more modern stick PC, haven’t seen many of these lately. However that price is pretty steep for an N100 device. There’s slightly larger SBCs with the i3 N305 for around the same price such the ODROID H4 Ultra. I get it’s because of the form factor but I hope the price goes down quickly or perhaps more competitors put out similar stick PCs.
“or perhaps more competitors put out similar stick PCs”
Bingo.
Even better if it’s a compute module carrier board with the B2B connectors + 2230 M.2 slot on one side and RAM slot on the other.