There has been a mini explosion of computing formats in recent years. It started with the Raspberry Pi, then desktop PCs started getting smaller to the point where Intel launched the NUC, and then the Compute Stick, and most recently the Compute Card became a thing.
Then last year we got the NexDock, which offered a 14-inch screen, keyboard, and battery in a laptop format. It was only $119 because you add the computing component separately using a smartphone, Raspberry Pi, or Compute Stick to create a fully-functional laptop. And now we're getting the new NexDock, which adds support for the Intel Compute Card.
The one issue with the original NexDock was that any device you added to act as the brains of the machine didn't actually fit inside the casing. Even a Raspberry Pi had to sit on the back of the display. However, with the introduction of the Compute Card that changes.
Intel designed the Compute Card to slot inside other devices, just like a credit card. It measures just 95-by-55-by-5mm and inside you'll find a 7th Gen Intel Core vPro processor along with all the other components required to run this tiny PC. All you need is peripherals and power.
The new NexDock is being designed with an integrated slot where the Compute Card will sit. Once slotted inside, you effectively have a working laptop without any wires or devices connected externally. When it comes time to upgrade, you simply remove the Compute Card and insert a new one (assuming Intel keeps making them).
Support will remain for connecting other devices including a Raspberry Pi and smartphones to provide the computing power. The new NexDock also functions as a tablet by detaching the keyboard and using the touchscreen for input instead.
NexDock is aiming to launch simultaneously with the Intel Compute Card in mid-2017. Let's hope they manage to maintain the $119 price point of the original NexDock, too.