Intel Compute Stick (1GB/8GB, Ubuntu 14.04) $40.99 AP FS @ Newegg

[VirtualLarry]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...atest-_-DesktopComputers-_-1VK-004K-00003-S0J

Promo code: EMCELEM44

I think that sadly, the Ubuntu edition of these Intel compute sticks is just about useless, because they've crippled them with 1GB of RAM and only 8GB of storage, but maybe you can make a persistent install of a different newer Linux distro on a USB flash drive and plug that in to boot off of.

Other than that, these probably make a nice keyring, if you drill a hole into the HDMI plug.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I just wish CPUs were a couple of die shrinks further along so these didn't overheat and throttle despite the tiny, whiny fans.

Fanless, fast and cool these would be great devices to have.

But $41 is a great deal on them if you can accept the limitations.

 

[VirtualLarry]

so these didn't overheat and throttle

Yeah, that too. I bought a pair of MeegoPad T02 units (no fan, gah), and they overheat running Skype, in both Linux Mint 17.x and Windows 8.1 / Windows 10.

Fanless, fast and cool these would be great devices to have.

Someday...

But $41 is a great deal on them if you can accept the limitations.

Yeah, it's peanuts for a working PC. Pretty amazing when you think about it. But still... the disadvantages of a compute stick form-factor are many.

I could see using some of these for industrial signage. (Think, the menu signs at Burger King.)

Edit: Just a plug, if you're looking for a low-powered, small but not tiny, mini-PC, check out the Gigabyte GA-BXBT-1900 J1900 Brix (barebones) mini-PC. Newegg has them on their ebay site for $99.99 + $3.99 shipping. Bought my fourth one.