PCs are getting smaller and packing more power, with next-gen tech delivering portability and transforming the traditional desktop experience.While the PC market has been in widely documented decline, manufacturers are taking a different tack, bringing new and innovative products to market, providing consumers with a range of options and blurring the lines of traditional conceptions of PCs.
Powering the next generation of PCs, Intel has taken the wraps off its 6th Generation Intel Core processor family at IFA 2015, designed to cater for a range of devices from all-in-one desktops to new mobile workstations.
With the range of smart devices evolving at pace, Intel states its latest processor family “enables a broad range of designs to fit virtually every need”.
Among Intel’s product releases, it has expanded its compute stick line-up to include a version powered by its 6th Gen Intel Core M processor, bringing more power to its pocket-sized portable option.
Asus has also been busy at IFA, and like Intel has unveiled a new offering for the growing compute stick market.
The Asus VivoStick PC transforms any HDMI-enabled TV or monitor into a Windows 10 PC, sporting a slim pen-inspired design.
Measuring 137.9 x 34 x 14.9 mm, the VivoStick PC weighs in at 68 g, featuring 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity, two USB ports, an audio output jack, Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting a keyboard and mouse, and 2 GB RAM.
The VivoStick PC additionally allows for remote operation via a mobile device using the Asus app.
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Another interesting addition to the PC market unveiled at IFA is Acer’s Revo Build Series (M1-601) Mini PC.
The Revo Build, housed in a 1 litre chassis with a 125 x 125 mm footprint, takes a modular approach, allowing users to customise their computer without opening the chassis, with blocks with different features able to be stacked on top of the base unit, which Acer states makes adding functionality “as easy as playing with toy blocks”.
The blocks are connected through pogo pins with magnetic alignment, with no wires when swapping out modules, and can also work independently or with other PCs.
Acer states that “blocks”, such as the 500 GB/1 TB hot-swappable portable hard drive will be available at launch, while a wireless power bank for wireless charging, an audio block with speakers and microphones, along with other expansion blocks, will be rolled out gradually.
The base unit is equipped with an Intel Pentium or Intel Celeron processor with integrated Intel HD graphics, while the system memory of up to 8 GB DDR4 RAM can be upgraded.
