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The days of lugging around a laptop computer are on the way out, because
you may soon be able to fit a portable computer into your wallet.
Intel introduced its latest mini-computer at the Consumer Electronics
Show (CES) in Las Vegas yesterday.
Called the Compute Card, the device is so small and thin it's the size
of a credit card, just slightly thicker.
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The Compute Card is a full blown computer, complete with cutting edge
7th Generation Intel Kaby Lake processor, memory, Bluetooth, storage and
wireless connectivity.
The device will not be sold directly to consumers, instead Intel has
said the tiny machine will be sold to manufacturers to fit into other
devices.
But the card could potentially be used to extend the life of older
gadgets.
It measures about about 3.7 inches (9.4cm) by 2.2 inches (5.6cm) and
just 0.2 inches (5mm) thick.
Intel says the tiny computer is so small it cannot accommodate USB or
other ports to power up or connect to displays.
It works by plugging into a slot in a larger device, similar to smart
cards.
The company is not positioning the card as a stand alone computer as
yet, although they say that will come.
The idea is the Compute Card can easily be swapped in and out of smart
devices so when one system in a TV or a fridge, for instance, becomes
obsolete, you can just swap it out for a new card.
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The company believes the Compute is the computer of the future, because
it can be slotted into drones, robots, digital signs and other products.
'Businesses will be able to add a whole PC into products that otherwise
have very little computing power,' said a CES analyst.
The Compute Card could also make upgrading PCs as simple as plugging it
into an existing computer to deliver the latest processors and other
components.
Intel is working with manufacturers like Dell, HP, Sharp and Lenovo to
build specialized slots into devises, including PCs and home appliances
like fridges and security cameras.
The partners will take 'advantage of the simplified design, ease of
serviceability, and user upgradeability of the Intel Compute Card,'
Intel said in a statement.
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Intel said it will start shipping the cards in mid-2017.
It will not be sold directly to consumers and is only available for
partners, an Intel spokesman said.
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