GADGET GIZMO REVIEW - PC On a Stick

 GADGET GIZMO REVIEW - PC On a Stick

If you're considering a PC on a stick, there are currently two devices available in India: iBall Splendo and Panache Air PC. Since both these devices are based on Intel's reference design, they look exactly the same and come with a glossy, piano black finish. Each stick plugs directly into an empty HDMI port on your TV , so it is best placed on a side HDMI port so that you have easy access to ports and the power button.If you don't want it sticking out the side of your TV , there is an extension HDMI cable in the box.

Each stick gets a full size USB for accessories or flash drives, microSD slot for storage expansion, USB host port (adapter cables are provided) and another microUSB port for power. If you don't have a spare power socket, you can use a power bank. One issue is that the USB ports feel limit ed. If you use a wireless keyboard mouse combo then the USB adapter takes up one of the USB ports and if you plan to connect a USB webcam then the second port is also used. So if you have to connect something else like a printer, you will have to unplug something else. A USB hub can be used to expand the number of available ports.. In terms of performance, both devices work seamlessly for light usage. Panache Air Pc comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 while the iBall Splendo comes with Windows 8.1. You can upgrade it to Windows 10 for free, but that means you will be downloading a significant amount of data. Of the two options, the iBall Splendo is available for as low as `7,999 online and the price includes a wireless keyboardmouse combo making it much better value for money .

ET7OCT15