The Add-Ons You Need to Use Intel Compute Stick

You can also try Remote Mouse for Android or iPhone, which is free to try but the ads are annoying. If you like it, pay for the unlockable premium features like remote media control, ad blocker, and more. They’re worth it.

Logitech K400 is a wireless keyboard with touchpad (Source: Logitech)

Your best bet is to get a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, which usually costs around Rs 1,500 -2,000. Our preferred choice is the Logitech K400 which requires a wireless USB dongle. In fact, any Logitech device is preferable, since the dongle is a unifying receiver, which can connect to up to five different Logitech input devices. Still, that takes up the only free USB port you have!

Powered USB Hub
That single USB port will quickly become a limitation, so expand it and get yourself a powered USB hub. You need to get a self-powered hub though, not just any hub; that hub can’t be drawing any power from your device.

Transcend Powerhub features four USB 3.0 ports (Source: Transcend)

We’ve tried the Quantum Zero four-port hub, which costs Rs. 1,300, and the Transcend powered hub, which costs about Rs. 1,750. Both are pretty good, pick what you like.

Expandable Storage
With just over 14GB free after the preloaded Windows 8 on the 32GB internal memory, you’ll definitely need more storage space. The best deal is to go for a 32GB microSD card, costing around Rs. 800-900.

The Compute Stick supports up to 128GB cards, but currently, 64GB and 128GB cards are unnecessarily expensive. If you’re eyeing those, you might as well buy a portable hard drive to plug into your powered USB hub.

Webcam

Logitech C270 is a basic HD webcam that can be used to make Skype calls or video Hangouts (Source: Logitech)

Hey, your TV is now a PC, why wouldn’t you want to make a few Skype calls or use it for a big-screen Google Hangout? Grab a basic high-definition webcam like the Logitech C270 (Rs. 1,300 approx), connect it to the USB hub, and you’ll be ready to go! It’s also a neat way to add a microphone to your PC.

Wi-Fi USB Dongle

This one isn’t a necessity if you are already getting full bars on your Intel Compute Stick. However, the Compute Stick’s poor Wi-Fi range can often be a problem. If you find that happening often, spring for a Wi-Fi USB dongle to stick into your USB Hub. TP-Link WN821 costs about Rs. 900 in stores and does the job well enough.