This summer Chinese device maker Mele launched a computer-on-a-stick featuring an Intel Gemini Lake processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an Ethernet port.
Now the company has an updated model with more of everything (except ports).
The updated Mele PCG02 is a fanless PC stick with a faster processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It’s available for purchase from Amazon for $230.
If you don’t need the upgrades, you can also still pick up an older model. Mele is selling it for $170 and up through its AliExpress store during a Black Friday sale that runs through November 27, 2020.
The updated model seems to have a slightly different case than its predecessor, but it’s still a small, fanless computer designed to plug directly into the HDMI port of a monitor or TV. It’s chunkier than a USB flash drive, but still pretty tiny by desktop computer standards.
Here’s how the new version stacks up against the original:
Mele PCG02 GLK (original) | Mele PCG02 GLE (upgraded) | |
CPU | Intel Celeron J4105 | Intel Celeron J4125 |
GPU | Intel UHD 600 | Intel UHD 600 |
RAM | 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 | 8GB LPDDR4 |
Storage | 64GB or 128GB eMMC microSD (up to 256GB) | 128GB eMMC microSD (up to 1TB) |
A/V | HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) 3.5mm audio combo | HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) 3.5mm audio combo |
USB | 2 x USB 3.0 micro USB (for power) | 2 x USB 3.0 micro USB (for power) |
Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet WiFi 5 BT 4.2 | Gigabit Ethernet WiFi 5 BT 4.2 |
Power | DC power port (5V/3A) | DC power port (5V/3A) |
OS | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
Dimensions | 5.5″ x 2.3″ x 0.75″ | 5.1″ x 2″ x ? |
Theoretically this PC stick should be able to handle 4K video playback, allowing you to turn any display into a media center. But in practice, YouTuber ETA Prime found that performance can vary depending on the source (with the computer dropping frames while streaming from YouTube at 2160p resolution at 60 frames per second, but having no trouble streaming similar quality video from a Plex server).
You can find more performance notes on gaming, video, and some benchmarks results in ETA’s video review.
I own this and it works fine, sure not the fastes on opening youtube video but fully working.
ETA Prime basically said its a crap form factor for this tdp … made even worse by relying on micro-usb for power. I am still waiting for a new generation of these 200 bucks mini computers that will support everything through a single usb-c cable . Plug it into a hub or a monitor with built-in hub and bam .. you’re golden.
“I am still waiting for a new generation of these 200 bucks mini computers that will support everything through a single usb-c cable”
This would be ideal. I feel like Stick PCs were just a generation too soon. The idea of a dongle-PC without any extra wires is extremely appealing to me.
Additionally, I don’t really have much interest in it being x86-powered either. I think ARM can deliver lower power requirements, and smaller footprint.
I used to really like the concept of these Stick PCs, but I stopped using mine for general purpose stuff because the design concept is just too limited in practice.
I didn’t find them practical to use without an HDMI extension cable, to avoid the device hanging off the HDMI port. So the magic kinda disappears when you need to carry several wires, and when you realize that a dongle-less bluetooth mouse and keyboard aren’t cheap. Then add the fact that USB 5v/3A power adapters are hard to find. Mine was an octopus of wires that I refused to move out of annoyance.
It’s too bad that the HDMI consortium’s attempts at offering USB, Ethernet, and DC power all through the HDMI cable were never really adopted by anyone.
I might tie all the cables together with a wire tie to turn the “octopus” into sort of a “squid”.
I find it helps to have the cables wrapped into circular coils, and held in that shape with zippy ties. Then the cords are more tidy and less prone to tangling.
I feel like the Stick PC concept is like those wishful-thinking mail order products that you saw in the backpages of comic books, like the DIY Rocket engine for your bike. Then when you got it, your fantasy falls apart, and you never use it.
I think the Larkbox hit the nail on the head for the best compromise. Mounting to a Vesa mount is the way to go. And also optionally sitting on the table like a normal Mini PC is great for most people too. The Stick PC buys you 1% more portability, in exchange for less IO ports, and a messier wiring setup.