It’s hard to believe how outrageous electronic products have become these days. In the past, buying a computer meant bringing home a large box, then laptops came along, which felt convenient enough, and later tablets emerged, leading many to forgo buying a computer altogether. But guess what? Computers can now shrink down to the size of a USB drive!
This device is called a computer stick, and the name sounds quite sci-fi. In reality, it’s a small computer with an HDMI interface that can be plugged directly into a TV or monitor, making it a true “pocket computer.” Today, we’ll discuss a classic model in this category—Asus QM1, a device that was once quite expensive but can now be found in the second-hand market for just over one hundred yuan.
What can such a small computer do?
To give you a direct impression, this device is smaller than your lighter, measuring 111mm x 38mm x 9.8mm and weighing only 38 grams, truly the size of a USB drive. Its interface is straightforward, with a direct HDMI connection, eliminating the need for extra cables. It can be plugged into a TV, monitor, or projector, ready to use instantly—a true “instant computer.”
Don’t let its small size fool you; the specifications are impressive. It features an Intel Z3735F quad-core processor with a base frequency of 1.33GHz and a turbo frequency of 1.83GHz, along with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. While this may seem like a low-end configuration by today’s standards, back in 2015, it was definitely high-end ultrabook territory. It has a fanless silent design, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, and comes with USB 2.0 ports and a TF card slot for expansion. As for power supply, it requires 5V/2A, which can be easily managed with any phone charger—very convenient!
Is hardware decoding of 1080P really reliable?
To be honest, when I first got this device, I was skeptical. After all, can such a small device handle heat dissipation? Can its decoding performance keep up? But after testing, I can only say it was surprisingly stable!
I installed a lightweight version of Windows 10 (it originally comes with Windows 8) and tried playing 1080P videos. The Transformers 4 1080P played smoothly, with the temperature remaining stable at 68°C. The CPU usage was not low, but it didn’t crash or throttle, exceeding my expectations. I also tested several online video platforms, and Bilibili, iQIYI, and Tencent Video all worked fine, and it even managed to handle H.265 hardware decoding (though CPU usage was slightly higher).
However, if you’re thinking of using it for video editing or gaming, think again. This device is at best a high-definition player; it can handle Office document editing, web browsing, and remote work, but gaming is out of the question. It can barely run MineSweeper and Red Alert 98.
Who should buy it?
If you are a digital enthusiast who enjoys tinkering with various gadgets, then this computer stick is definitely worth a try. After all, for just over a hundred yuan, you can’t go wrong; if you get bored with it, you can sell it and recoup your money.
If you have an old TV without a smart system, plugging this in will instantly turn it into a Windows 10 smart TV. Just add a wireless keyboard and mouse, and it becomes a perfect tool for home office and binge-watching. For instance, if you travel frequently and don’t want to carry a laptop but need to work temporarily, this device can be plugged into a hotel TV, paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and you can still edit Word and Excel documents and present PowerPoint slides—perfect for light office work.
Don’t expect to use it as a primary machine, as its configuration is considered low-end by today’s standards, with limited processing power. However, as a portable high-definition player and light office device, it’s quite appealing.
Second-hand market trends
The Asus QM1 was once sold for 899 yuan, a high-end product at the time, but now you can find it in the second-hand market for around 150 yuan, a significant price drop. If you’re looking for a better experience, you might also consider the Daway S100/W100, which has higher specifications and is priced between 200-300 yuan, offering better value for money.
Buying suggestions
- Buy second-hand: Try to find one that comes with a power supply and packaging to avoid getting a defective product.
- Heat optimization: For long periods of 1080P video playback, it’s recommended to add a USB fan to extend its lifespan.
- System optimization: The lightweight version of Windows 10 runs smoother than the original Windows 8; installing a lightweight browser will enhance the experience.
This device is a “niche gem” that may not be suitable for everyone, but for those with specific needs (portable office, old TV transformation, high-definition playback), it’s definitely a great choice.
What do you think about these USB-sized computers? Do you think they have a future? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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