Ubuntu Compute Stick

Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu version of Linux, has announced that the Ubuntu version of the Intel Compute Stick will go on sale starting this week.

The Compute Stick is basically a computer in an HDMI dongle, allowing users to simply carry their computer around in their pocket, as long as they know that will have an HDMI-capable display wherever they need to use it.

"Consumers are looking for a more personal, flexible and cost-effective computing experience, and also looking for a choice of OS," said Jan Silber, CEO of Canonical, in a statement. "It's great to see Ubuntu becomes part of the Compute Stick family. This is another example of how we're working with Intel to bring a wide range of devices to market to give as many people as possible the chance to discover Ubuntu."

The stick itself will feature the 64-bit version of Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and includes an Intel Atom 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. The device also features 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. Of course, this isn't the power needed for high-quality media production, but for business-people on the go or those needing to use fairly processor-light applications, the Compute Stick should be fine.