This is not good news for potential Linux users

Jul 19, 2015 20:56 GMT  ·  By

Intel announced two models of the Intel Compute Stick, one with Windows and one with Ubuntu. For unknown reasons, Intel decided to make the Linux version a little less powerful, so people are thinking of buying the Windows version and just install Linux on it. As it turns out, it's not that simple.

When Intel made the announcement, a few months back, many users said that they don't care about the few bucks they are saving with the Linux version, they will just buy the Windows one, delete the OS and install any Linux they want. It might sound good on paper, but in reality they would lose the warranty for the products.

This is what reads in the Intel website regarding this potential change: "Operating systems other than the ones listed are not supported and do not have drivers available. Installing a different operating system voids the Intel Compute Stick warranty."

As such, installing anything else other than Ubuntu 14.04 LTS (and that might be difficult as well) will make you lose the warranty. It's not like it can't be done, but it's a serious motive not to do anything. It's also worth mentioning that the Windows version is not performing stellar, and Intel is not really pushing this product as much as they should.