According to Intel, it is designed to be smaller than conventional desktop or other small-form-factor PCs, while offering comparable performance.

Its main connector, an HDMI 1.4 port, along with a compatible monitor (or TV) and Bluetooth-based keyboards and mice, allows it to be used for general computing tasks.

[4] This is sufficient for home entertainment usage, light office productivity, thin clients, and digital signage applications.

[5] In mid-2015 it was announced that second generation versions of the Compute Stick would feature advancements on the Bay Trail framework through application of Core M processors in the form factor.

The new devices (released Q1 2016) allowed Intel to introduce additional processing power as well as 4 GB memory for "more intensive application and content creation" as well as "faster multi-tasking".