Actually, according to CNET, there's a Linux version of the Intel stick that costs only $89, plus, Intel's has a micro SD card slot, although it lacks the 802.11ac.

http://www.cnet.com/products/intel-compute-stick/

Unfortunately, the Linux edition only has 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, while the Windows version will have 2GB and 32GB respectively.

related: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6760685

Yes, this was all inspired by Nick Winter's epic 120-hour workweek, which he posted a time-lapse video of. Here's a direct link to his video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0qlr22cF14

And while I'm at it, direct link to Bethany's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODhx-CbX9lg#t=40