Google just created something that’s going to remind you a heck of a lot of Intel’s Compute Stick. It’s a computer dongle that Google crammed all of its browser-based components into. Dubbed the Chromebit, this Asus-made stick looks a lot like the Chromecast, but does a lot more. It’s an an entire computer, and works simply by plugging into any HDMI-equipped display.
The Asus Chromebit comes with a Rockchip RK3288 processor, with quad-core Mali 760 graphics, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of SSD, Wi-Fi, Blueooth, and a USB 2.0 port (Gizmodo). Of course, the HDMI plugs into a display, and the USB is used for power and peripherals. That isn’t the only place we’ll be seeing this inexpensive ARM processor from Rockchip, however.
In addition to the Chromebit release, Google and its partners have announced the arrival of a couple of super cheap Chromebooks from HiSense and Haier, both for just $149 each. We can also expect to hear about 8 more products over the next two months, and according to Google, these models will include Acer, Asus, AOPEN, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and LG. All Chromebooks will sport the Rockchip RK3288, which can draw as little as 3 watts of power, run fan-less, and last all day on a single charge (PC World).
As far as the Chromebit, it’s expected to cost less than $100 and go on sale as soon as this summer. All the products, the dongle and upcoming HiSense and Haier, will be targeting regular Chromebook demographics- schools and emerging markets, says Mashable. Despite the specs being on the lower end of the scope, it should suffice for the price. 10 hours of battery life doesn’t sound too bad, either.