The original Intel Compute Stick is just $35 right now

The original Intel Compute Stick was released in 2015. For $150, you could run Windows 8 or Ubuntu Linux on a Chromecast-like HDMI stick. Newer and better models are now available, but the first-gen stick is now very cheap - just $35 on Amazon.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built-in, so you won't have to use the USB port for a keyboard and mouse. And yes, you can sort of play games on it. The only downside is that this model doesn't come with a Windows license - it's the Ubuntu Linux version.

You can buy the Compute Stick from Amazon.

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Corbin is a tech journalist, software developer, and longtime PC Gamer freelance writer, currently based in North Carolina. He now focuses on the world of Android as a full-time writer at XDA-Developers. He plays a lot of Planet Coaster and Fallout and hosts a podcast all about forgotten stories from tech history.