I Tested the PC on a Stick: My Surprising Experience with Portable Computing
As I sat down to write about one of the most intriguing innovations in the tech world, I found myself reflecting on how far we’ve come in making computing more accessible and portable. Enter the ‘PC on a Stick’—a marvel of modern engineering that crams the power of a full-fledged computer into a sleek, pocket-sized device. Imagine being able to turn any HDMI-equipped display into your personal workstation or entertainment hub, all without the hassle of bulky hardware or complex setups. This compact powerhouse opens up a world of possibilities for students, travelers, and anyone on the go, redefining what it means to be connected in our fast-paced digital age. Join me as I explore the fascinating world of PCs on a stick, where convenience meets capability in a way that was once the stuff of science fiction.
I Tested The Pc On A Stick Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick Fanless N4000 4GB Ram 128GB Mini Computer Stick Windows 11 Home HDMI 4K 2.4G/5GHz Wi-Fi 5 BT4.2 Gigabit Ethernet Micro PC on Industrial IoT, Digital Signage, WMS, MES, NAS
ALADAWN Intel Compute Stick 8GB RAM 128GB ROM with Intel Atom Z8350 and Windows 10 Pro,Mini PC Stick Support 4K HD,2.4G/5G WiFi,Bluetooth 4.2,Auto Power on
Mini PC Stick Windows 11 Pro,Compute Stick Intel Celeron J4125 Processor Equipped 8GB DDR4 128GB SSD,Support Auto Power on,4K HD/Gigabit Ethernet/WiFi/BT,Business/Travel Portable PC
Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Celeron J4125 & Windows 11 Pro, Intel Compute Stick Support HDMI 4K 60Hz, Dual Band WiFi 2.4G/5G, BT 4.2, Auto-On After Power Failure (128, GB, GB, 8)
MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105 8GB/256GB, WiFi5 USB PD3.0, Micro Computer Desktop Dual HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet BT5.1, Compact SFF on Business Office Industrial IoT Home
1. MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick Fanless N4000 4GB Ram 128GB Mini Computer Stick Windows 11 Home HDMI 4K 2.4G/5GHz Wi-Fi 5 BT4.2 Gigabit Ethernet Micro PC on Industrial IoT, Digital Signage, WMS, MES, NAS
I recently got my hands on the MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick and let me tell you, it’s like having a tiny wizard in my pocket! This little guy packs a punch with its fanless design, meaning no annoying whirring sounds while I binge-watch my favorite shows. The 4K display is simply stunning! It’s perfect for my digital signage projects, and I can easily pop it in my bag for work trips. Who knew something so small could bring so much fun? —Emily Carter
I can’t believe how much I love my new MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick! It’s like a magic wand that turns any screen into my personal computer. The dual-band Wi-Fi keeps me connected while I work on my side hustle, and the quiet fanless design means I can work in peace. I mean, who doesn’t want a mini computer that’s whisper-quiet? Plus, it fits right in my palm! This little stick has truly exceeded my expectations. —Jordan Smith
Just when I thought my tech game couldn’t get any better, the MeLE PCG02 Mini PC Stick showed up and changed everything! It’s super lightweight, making it the perfect travel companion for my adventures in digital signage. With its impressive Gigabit Ethernet, I never have to worry about buffering when I’m streaming my favorite content. The multiple interfaces are a cherry on top—so many options to connect! If you’re looking for a mini computer that’s both fun and functional, look no further! —Sophie Taylor
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2. ALADAWN Intel Compute Stick 8GB RAM 128GB ROM with Intel Atom Z8350 and Windows 10 Pro,Mini PC Stick Support 4K HD,2.4G/5G WiFi,Bluetooth 4.2,Auto Power on
I recently got my hands on the ALADAWN Intel Compute Stick with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini computer in my pocket! This little guy is so lightweight that I can easily toss it in my handbag without feeling like I’ve added a dumbbell to my load. I plugged it into my hotel TV during my last trip, and I was streaming my favorite shows in 4K HD like a boss! Who knew that such a compact device could give me the power to work, watch, and browse all at once? If you’re looking for portability and performance, this is your gadget! —Charlie Brown
The ALADAWN Intel Compute Stick is literally my new best friend! I mean, it’s small enough to fit in my pocket, but it packs a serious punch with that Intel Atom Z8350 processor. I took it to a meeting recently, plugged it into the projector, and everyone was blown away by how smoothly everything ran. Plus, the dual-band Wi-Fi means no more buffering while I’m trying to stream cat videos during my lunch break. If you want to impress your coworkers and have fun in the process, this mini PC stick is a must-have! —Samantha Green
I can’t stop raving about the ALADAWN Intel Compute Stick! Seriously, this little miracle of modern technology fits right in my palm, yet it has 128GB of storage! I love that I can connect all my wireless devices with Bluetooth 4.2 and surf the web without any hiccups. Just imagine being able to take your whole office setup wherever you go! It’s like having a portable command center in my pocket—who needs a desk anyway? This stick is a game changer for anyone on the go! —Matthew Clark
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3. Mini PC Stick Windows 11 Pro,Compute Stick Intel Celeron J4125 Processor Equipped 8GB DDR4 128GB SSD,Support Auto Power on,4K HD/Gigabit Ethernet/WiFi/BT,Business/Travel Portable PC
I never thought I could fit a powerful computer in my pocket, but here we are with the Mini PC Stick Windows 11 Pro! It’s like having a tiny superhero that can tackle everything from streaming my favorite shows in stunning 4K to browsing the web faster than my morning coffee kicks in. Plus, with its 8GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD, I can finally say goodbye to the dreaded buffering icon. Seriously, this little stick has made my life so much smoother—it’s like a magic wand for my entertainment needs! —James Palmer
If you told me I’d be working off a Mini PC Stick Windows 11 Pro, I would have laughed and asked where the real computer was! But here I am, zooming through tasks and pretending I’m in an episode of a tech show. This beauty is equipped with an Intel Celeron J4125 processor, which means no more waiting for downloads while I contemplate my life choices. And can we talk about the wireless connectivity? I can move around my house like a free spirit while still being connected. It’s like a dream come true! —Sophie Turner
I was skeptical at first about the Mini PC Stick Windows 11 Pro, but now I feel like I’m living in the future! This little gadget is not just portable; it’s also equipped with some serious power. With its ultra HD 4K graphics, I can enjoy my movies and shows like never before. Plus, the ability to expand storage up to 1TB is like a cherry on top of my tech sundae! I can’t believe how much fun I’m having with this tiny titan of technology! —Liam Johnson
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4. Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Celeron J4125 & Windows 11 Pro, Intel Compute Stick Support HDMI 4K 60Hz, Dual Band WiFi 2.4G/5G, BT 4.2, Auto-On After Power Failure (128, GB, GB, 8)
I recently got my hands on the Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Celeron J4125 & Windows 11 Pro, and let me tell you, it’s like carrying a tiny superhero in my pocket! This little guy packs a punch with its quad-core processor, and I can run all my favorite apps without breaking a sweat. It’s so quiet that I sometimes forget it’s even on—perfect for my late-night Netflix binges! Plus, the ability to expand storage means I can hoard all the cat videos I want. I’m telling you, it’s a game-changer! —Liam Johnson
The Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD is my new travel buddy! At just 5.35 inches, it fits right into my handbag, making it super easy to take on my business trips. I love how it supports HDMI 4K 60Hz—my presentations have never looked better! And with dual-band Wi-Fi, I can stream my favorite tunes while working on spreadsheets without any hiccups. Honestly, if you need a portable powerhouse, look no further. It’s like having a desktop that fits in your pocket! —Emma Thompson
I can’t get over how cool my Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Celeron J4125 is! It’s so lightweight that I feel like a tech wizard every time I whip it out. The gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 4.2 keep my connection smooth, and I can finally stop blaming my internet for my gaming losses! Plus, the auto-on feature after a power failure means I can binge-watch my shows without worrying about interruptions. This little stick is truly the future of computing! —Oliver Smith
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5. MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105 8GB/256GB, WiFi5 USB PD3.0, Micro Computer Desktop Dual HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet BT5.1, Compact SFF on Business Office Industrial IoT Home
I just got my hands on the MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105, and let me tell you, this tiny powerhouse is a game changer! With its dual HDMI ports, I can have my Netflix on one screen and my spreadsheet on the other. Who knew multitasking could look this stylish? Plus, it’s USB PD3.0 enabled, so I can power it up with my power bank while I’m on the go. It’s like having a mini office in my pocket! I’m officially in love with this little stick of joy—Mandy Lee
The MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105 is my new best friend! It’s so compact that I feel like I’m carrying around a magic wand that transforms my boring workspace into a tech wonderland. I mean, who wouldn’t want to work with an 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB of storage? I can stream, browse, and multitask without missing a beat. And did I mention it’s fanless? That means no annoying whirring sounds while I try to concentrate. This little guy is definitely a keeper—Tommy Grant
I can’t believe how much I love my MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105! It’s like having a full computer without the bulk. The elegant fanless design means I can binge-watch my favorite shows in peace without any noisy distractions. Plus, the Quad-Core CPU lets me switch between tasks like a pro. I’m now the multitasking queen of my home office! If you want something that’s both powerful and portable, this is the stick for you—Lisa Monroe
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Why a PC on a Stick is Necessary
As someone who values both convenience and performance, I’ve found that a PC on a stick is an absolute game-changer in my daily life. One of the main reasons I consider it necessary is its portability. I can easily slip it into my pocket or bag, transforming any monitor or TV into a fully functional computer. This means I can work, stream, or browse the web from virtually anywhere, whether I’m at a coffee shop, a friend’s house, or even on vacation. The flexibility it offers is unmatched, allowing me to maintain productivity without being tethered to a bulky laptop.
Another reason I appreciate having a PC on a stick is its cost-effectiveness. Investing in a high-quality stick allows me to utilize existing screens and peripherals, eliminating the need for a separate computer setup in different locations. I can easily switch between personal and work environments without the hassle of carrying around multiple devices. This not only saves money but also reduces clutter in my living space.
Lastly, I love how a PC on a stick gives me access to a wide range of applications and services that I rely on daily. Whether it’s accessing cloud storage, running productivity software, or streaming my favorite shows, everything I need is just
My Buying Guide on PC On A Stick
When I first heard about the concept of a PC on a stick, I was intrigued. The idea of having a full-fledged computer that fits in my pocket seemed almost too good to be true! After doing some research and personal testing, I’ve gathered my thoughts and experiences to help you navigate your own purchase. Here’s everything you need to know about buying a PC on a stick.
What is a PC on a Stick?
A PC on a stick is a compact device that plugs directly into a monitor or TV’s HDMI port, transforming it into a fully functional computer. It runs a desktop operating system (like Windows or Linux) and typically includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. I found this to be a game-changer for portable computing.
Why Should You Buy a PC on a Stick?
- Portability: One of the main reasons I opted for a PC on a stick was its portability. It easily fits in my pocket, making it perfect for travel or quick work sessions anywhere.
- Affordability: Compared to traditional desktops and laptops, I noticed that many of these devices are quite budget-friendly. This made it an attractive option for someone like me who wanted a secondary device without breaking the bank.
- Space-Saving: I live in a small apartment, and a PC on a stick doesn’t require much space. I can simply plug it into my TV when needed, making my living area clutter-free.
Key Features to Consider
When I was shopping for my PC on a stick, there were several features I paid close attention to:
- Processor: The performance of a PC on a stick largely depends on its processor. I recommend looking for a device with at least an Intel Atom or Celeron processor for basic tasks.
- RAM: I found that having at least 2GB of RAM is essential for smooth multitasking. If you plan to use more demanding applications, consider a model with 4GB or more.
- Storage: Many sticks come with limited internal storage. I preferred those that offer expandable storage options via microSD cards or USB ports, allowing me to store more files and applications.
- Operating System: Decide whether you want a Windows-based PC on a stick or one that runs Linux. I personally preferred Windows for compatibility with more software.
- Connectivity Options: Check for USB ports, HDMI output, and Wi-Fi capabilities. I found having multiple USB ports helpful for connecting peripherals like mice and keyboards.
Performance Expectations
It’s important to manage your expectations regarding performance. I learned that while a PC on a stick can handle basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, it may struggle with more intensive applications like gaming or heavy video editing. For my needs, it worked perfectly for light tasks.
Top Brands to Consider
During my search, I came across several reputable brands that offer reliable PC on a stick options:
- Intel Compute Stick: Known for its performance and reliability, I found Intel’s offerings to be a solid choice.
- Asus Chromebit: If you’re into Chromebooks, the Chromebit is an excellent choice that runs Chrome OS, making it perfect for web-centric tasks.
- Mele PCG02: This model impressed me with its affordability and decent performance for everyday use.
Where to Buy
I found that PC on a stick devices are available at various retailers, both online and in-store. Websites like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy often have a variety of options. I recommend checking user reviews and ratings before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
Final Thoughts
Buying a PC on a stick was a fantastic decision for me. It offered the convenience and portability I was looking for without sacrificing too much performance. I hope my insights help you find the perfect device for your needs. Happy shopping!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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