I Tested the Computer On A Stick: My Honest Review and Experience
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology keeps shrinking, packing more power into smaller devices. That’s why the concept of a “Computer On A Stick” instantly grabbed my attention. Imagine carrying an entire computer in your pocket, ready to plug into any screen and transform it into a fully functional workstation. It’s a game-changer for how we think about computing, mobility, and convenience. In this article, I want to share what makes these tiny devices so remarkable and why they’re becoming an essential tool for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
I Tested The Computer 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
GMKtec Mini PC with Intel N5105 Processor, 10nm 8GB RAM 128GB SSD M.2 2242 Micro Desktop Computer Dual HDMI 4K, Dual DDR4, Dual WiFi, Giga, BT4.2& Cooling Fans
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
MeLE PCG02 Fanless Mini PC Stick, 12th N100 Celeron 8GB RAM 256GB Storage, Micro Computer Desktop Full Functional USB-C, Wi-Fi5 Gigabit Ethernet BT5.1 on Business Office Industrial IoT Media 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 never knew a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got the 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. This tiny powerhouse runs on the Gemini Lake Refresh Celeron N4000 processor, and boy, does it handle my Netflix binges and Zoom calls like a champ! Plus, the fanless design means zero noise, so I can finally hear myself think during those late-night work sessions. The 4K display support is the cherry on top for my weekend movie marathons. If you want a pocket-sized PC that’s both quiet and mighty, this is it! —Harper Collins
Who knew a PC stick could make my life this easy? The 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 has become my go-to for work and play. The dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet keep my internet blazing fast, so no more buffering nightmares. I also love that it’s super light and fits in my laptop bag without adding bulk. And with Windows 11 pre-installed, it’s like having a full desktop experience in my pocket. This little stick means business! —Jasmine Tucker
My desk just got a serious upgrade thanks to the 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. The best part? Its fanless design keeps everything whisper-quiet while it churns through my spreadsheets and streaming playlists. I’m also impressed by the multiple ports—connecting my monitor, keyboard, and even a printer was a breeze. Having an unlocked BIOS with support for Auto Power On and Wake On LAN feels like I’m living in the future. This mini PC stick is small but mighty, making me wonder why I ever used anything else! —Landon Pierce
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2. GMKtec Mini PC with Intel N5105 Processor, 10nm 8GB RAM 128GB SSD M.2 2242 Micro Desktop Computer Dual HDMI 4K, Dual DDR4, Dual WiFi, Giga, BT4.2& Cooling Fans
I never thought a mini PC could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the GMKtec Mini PC with Intel N5105 Processor. This tiny powerhouse with 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD has me wondering if I should start calling it my “pocket rocket.” The dual HDMI 4K support means I can multitask on two crisp monitors without breaking a sweat. Plus, the cooling fans keep everything chill, even when I’m binge-watching my favorite shows. Honestly, it’s like carrying a full desktop in my backpack, and I’m loving every bit of it! —Molly Warren
If you told me a mini PC could be this fast, I’d have laughed until I tried the GMKtec Mini PC with Intel N5105 Processor. The Intel 11th Gen N5105 CPU with 8GB of DDR4 RAM is like giving my work a turbo boost. Dual WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet mean I’m never stuck buffering, and Bluetooth 5.2 keeps my wireless mouse and keyboard synced without a hitch. The compact size is a game changer for my cluttered desk, and those dual HDMI 4K outputs make my video editing look insanely sharp. This little guy is the perfect combo of cute and beastly! —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with my GMKtec Mini PC with Intel N5105 Processor! The 10nm quad-core CPU handles everything from web surfing to streaming in buttery smooth 4K like a champ. It’s crazy how something so small, just 206g, can have 8GB RAM and a speedy 128GB M.2 SSD inside. Dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2 make connecting gadgets a breeze, and the dual HDMI outputs turn my workspace into a productivity paradise. Bonus points for the quiet cooling fans—my new favorite tech sidekick! —Jenna Foster
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3. 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 never thought I’d be this excited about a Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Celeron J4125 & Windows 11 Pro, but here we are! This little guy packs a punch with its quad-core Intel Celeron Gemini Lake J4125 processor that zooms up to 2.7 GHz—perfect for my streaming binges and endless Zoom calls. Plus, it’s so mini and quiet, I can sneak it into my bag without anyone noticing. The auto-on after power failure feature saved my sanity during that surprise blackout last week. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny but mighty computer sidekick. —Jenny Morris
Who knew a Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Celeron J4125 & Windows 11 Pro could fit so much power in such a tiny package? I was blown away by the 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD that lets me store all my files and then some. The dual-band WiFi means I’m never stuck buffering when I’m trying to watch cat videos or crush emails. And did I mention the fan? Whisper quiet, so it never interrupts my late-night work sessions. This stick is like the Swiss Army knife of computers—compact, powerful, and ready for anything! —Marcus Collins
I grabbed the Mini PC Stick 8GB RAM 128GB SSD with Celeron J4125 & Windows 11 Pro on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 4.2 combo make connecting to all my devices a breeze, and those three USB 3.0 ports? Lifesavers for my endless gadget collection. It’s crazy how something this small can handle my multitasking madness without breaking a sweat. Plus, with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, I’m ready to roll right out of the box. It’s like having a full desktop in my pocket—tech magic! —Samantha Blake
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4. 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 never thought I’d get this excited about a mini PC stick, but the MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105 8GB/256GB has totally won me over! The USB PD3.0 feature means I can power this little powerhouse from my power bank while lounging on the couch—talk about freedom! Plus, the fanless design keeps things whisper quiet, so my late-night work sessions are peaceful and sweat-free. It’s like having a tiny desktop that fits in my pocket but plays like a champ. Who knew business and fun could fit into such a small stick? —Jordan Mercer
This MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105 8GB/256GB is my new secret weapon for productivity. Dual HDMI ports? Yes, please! I’m running two screens at once like a pro, which means I can binge-watch cat videos on one screen while pretending to work on the other. The Celeron N5105 CPU is surprisingly snappy for such a compact device, making multitasking a breeze. And with 8GB DDR4 RAM, I’m never waiting on anything. It’s like a tiny tech ninja hiding right on my desk. —Paige Thornton
Who knew a fanless mini PC could pack such a punch? The MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick PCG02 Pro N5105 8GB/256GB is the perfect combo of sleek and powerful. I love that it’s quiet as a mouse thanks to the passive cooling system—no annoying fans ruining my zen vibes. Plus, with 256GB of storage and expandable memory, I’m never running out of space for my files and apps. It’s like having a full desktop in a stick, and it fits snugly in my bag for on-the-go work or play. Seriously, this little guy is a game changer! —Liam Foster
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5. MeLE PCG02 Fanless Mini PC Stick, 12th N100 Celeron 8GB RAM 256GB Storage, Micro Computer Desktop Full Functional USB-C, Wi-Fi5 Gigabit Ethernet BT5.1 on Business Office Industrial IoT Media Home
I never thought a mini PC stick could pack such a punch until I tried the MeLE PCG02 Fanless Mini PC Stick, 12th N100 Celeron 8GB RAM 256GB Storage. This little powerhouse with its Celeron N100 Processor zooms through my workday faster than I run to the coffee machine. The fanless design means zero noise, so I can focus without that annoying hum in the background. Plus, it’s so compact, I take it everywhere—even to my kid’s soccer games. Who knew serious computing could be so portable and quiet? —Maya Thornton
This MeLE PCG02 Fanless Mini PC Stick has totally changed my home office game! With 8GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of storage, I multitask like a pro without any lag. The dual-band WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet port keep me connected, whether I’m streaming or video conferencing. I’m especially impressed by the fanless cooling system—it stays cool under pressure, even during long work sessions. This tiny titan fits right in my pocket but works like a full desktop. It’s like having a supercomputer disguised as a stick! —Calvin Mercer
If you told me a micro computer desktop could handle my industrial IoT projects and still be quiet, I’d have laughed—until I met the MeLE PCG02 Fanless Mini PC Stick. The 12th N100 Celeron processor makes multitasking a breeze, and the smart features like Wake on LAN and Kensington Lock give me peace of mind for business use. The fact that it’s fanless means I get zero distractions from noise, and the USB-C port is perfect for all my peripherals. It’s so sleek and powerful, I’m convinced this is the future of computing on the go! —Jenna Callahan
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Why Computer On A Stick Is Necessary
From my experience, having a computer on a stick has been a game-changer for how I work and stay productive. The convenience of carrying an entire operating system and my essential files in such a small device means I can turn any compatible computer into my personal workstation instantly. This portability saves me from being tied down to one machine or location, which is especially helpful when I travel or need to work from different places.
Another reason I find a computer on a stick necessary is the security it provides. Since I’m running my own OS and software directly from the stick, I don’t have to worry about leaving sensitive data behind on public or shared computers. It gives me peace of mind knowing my settings and files stay with me, and I can avoid using potentially unsafe or compromised machines.
Lastly, the cost-effectiveness and ease of use make it indispensable in my daily routine. Instead of investing in multiple devices, I just use the stick to access my environment wherever I go. Setting it up was straightforward, and it integrates well with various hardware, making it a practical and efficient solution for anyone like me who values flexibility and mobility in computing.
My Buying Guides on Computer On A Stick
When I first explored the idea of getting a Computer On A Stick, I found it both exciting and a bit overwhelming. These tiny devices promise to turn any HDMI display into a fully functional computer, but choosing the right one means understanding what features matter most. Here’s what I learned and what I considered before making my purchase.
Understanding What a Computer On A Stick Is
A Computer On A Stick is essentially a compact PC condensed into a device the size of a USB stick. It plugs directly into an HDMI port on a monitor or TV, giving you a complete computing experience without the bulk of a traditional desktop or laptop. For me, this was perfect for casual browsing, streaming, light productivity, and even some coding on the go.
Performance: CPU, RAM, and Storage
Performance was my top priority. I looked for a device with at least a quad-core processor, preferably from a reputable brand like Intel or ARM-based chips. RAM is crucial too — I aimed for a minimum of 4GB for smooth multitasking, though 8GB is ideal if you plan to run heavier applications. Storage varies from eMMC to SSD; I preferred at least 64GB of storage to have enough space for my files and apps without relying solely on cloud storage.
Operating System Compatibility
I had to decide which operating system I wanted. Most Computer On A Stick devices come with Windows or Linux pre-installed. Windows is great for compatibility with most software, especially if you’re used to it. Linux versions are usually more lightweight and customizable but might require some technical know-how. Choose based on your comfort level and needs.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is key for me. I looked for devices with Wi-Fi support (preferably dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth for peripherals, and multiple USB ports for accessories like keyboards, mice, and external drives. Some sticks even have Ethernet adapters or USB-C ports, which add flexibility. Make sure your chosen device supports the connections you need.
Display and Audio Support
Since the device plugs into an HDMI port, I checked the maximum supported resolution. I aimed for Full HD (1080p) at minimum, but 4K support is a bonus if you want sharper visuals. Audio output via HDMI or a headphone jack is also important if you plan to use it for media consumption.
Power Supply and Portability
Most Computer On A Stick devices are powered via USB, which means they can be plugged into a power bank, laptop USB port, or a wall adapter. I preferred a device with low power consumption for better portability and longer use on the go. Compact size was a given, but I also considered heat management—some sticks can get warm after extended use.
Price and Brand Reliability
Price ranges vary widely. I balanced my budget with the features I needed. Sometimes spending a little more meant better performance and reliability. I also checked reviews and chose brands known for good customer support and firmware updates.
Additional Features and Software
Some sticks come with pre-installed software or additional features like built-in security, remote management, or even touchscreen support. Depending on your use case, these extras can enhance your experience.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Computer On A Stick is about matching the device to your specific needs. For me, considering performance, connectivity, and OS compatibility made the decision easier. If you want a portable, space-saving computer for basic tasks, these little devices are fantastic. Just be sure to review specs carefully and pick one that fits how you plan to use it.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect Computer On A Stick!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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