Android Mini PCs, Yay or Nay?

Tango One · 25-11-2012 8:34pm

BeanFlicker wrote: »

You won't be disappointed.

Checked out an .mkv file from a usb stick, and works perfectly

One last question is it 2 or 4gb internal memory. They seem to be back advertising it as 4GB.

balkieb2002 · 26-11-2012 12:32am

I streamed a couple of TV shows to my UG802 from a network share over the weekend and they worked fine so quite happy with that feature. Once I get the internet more stable, I'll be using that more. Also plugged in a 3TB external hard-drive into a usb hub I got with it and that works fine too for playing large movies etc.

I bought this air mouse + keyboard (not from that site) and its working better then I had planned. Really easy to set-up and very easy to use.

eamonnq · 26-11-2012 9:41am

I have ordered the MELE F10 to use with my UHOST as the air mouse supplied with it could be better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpCnKqiLTMM

Dazza · 28-11-2012 10:14pm

Hi Guys.
Does the mk809 look better?
http://vananda.en.alibaba.com/product/643466294-213804820/MK809_Xplus_Dongle_H25_Android_4_0_mini_pc_smart_TV_Dongle_with_Phone_Pad_E_Control_and_DLAN_High_performance.html

Do-more · 29-11-2012 2:25pm

Dazza wrote: »

Hi Guys.
Does the mk809 look better?
http://vananda.en.alibaba.com/product/643466294-213804820/MK809_Xplus_Dongle_H25_Android_4_0_mini_pc_smart_TV_Dongle_with_Phone_Pad_E_Control_and_DLAN_High_performance.html

I don't think so, from a little Googling it appears to be the same hardware as the 808 but is either overclocked (probably unstable as a result) from 1.2Ghz to 1.6Ghz or they are lying and it is only 1.2Ghz.

Either way it has no community at the moment so you would be better off with a MK808 and a rom from finless bob.

Do-more · 30-11-2012 11:08am

For something with a bit more processing power ODROID have just launched the ULTRA COMPACT 1.7GHz QUAD-CORE development board for US$89 + $9 for the power supply + $30 shipping so about €100 + customs charges. It's based on the Samsung Exynos chip so no HW acceleration available in XBMC's native video player at the moment if that is your thing but otherwise it should run Linux and Android very well. Starts shipping in January.

eamonnq · 30-11-2012 12:01pm

Have a UHOST2 on the way from China (have the UHOST1A at the moment, and liked it so ordered a UHOST2).

http://www.squidoo.com/uhost2-dual-core-android-mini-pc

Will be using the MELE F10 remote with it, so can't wait until it arrives (hopefully before Xmas!!).

Do-more · 01-12-2012 12:29pm

Zascar wrote: »

The one that looks the best to me is the MyGica EnjoyTV 510B - has anyone ordered it yet? Will these mini pc's stream movies off my network (Shared network folders) ok or do I need to do anything to it? I'm not quite sure what xmbc is exactly to be honest, but will I need it to simply stream an avi file, or can these do it out of the box?

From the MyGica510B listing on the futeko website:

UPDATE 30-NOV: More stock and a big announcement early next week!

I'd guess that is going to be the availability of the dual core MyGica ATV1200. Worth keeping an eye on.

ThunbergsAreGo · 01-12-2012 1:25pm

Apart form Media Consupmption SD Card Netflix etc, what do people use these for?

Tango One · 05-12-2012 2:16am

Zascar wrote: »

Hey Guys, great thread, I'm currently considering an Android Mini PC. Right now I have my laptop connected to a projector in my bedroom. I use it to stream movies off my main pc via the wireless network, and also browse the web. However I was thinking of replacing the laptop with one of these Android Mini PC's. The think is I'm getting the impression that although they just 'not quite there yet'. Am I right or wrong do you think?

The one that looks the best to me is the MyGica EnjoyTV 510B - has anyone ordered it yet? Will these mini pc's stream movies off my network (Shared network folders) ok or do I need to do anything to it? I'm not quite sure what xmbc is exactly to be honest, but will I need it to simply stream an avi file, or can these do it out of the box?

I'd plan to use it with a wireless keyboard and mouse. I was thinking something like one of these:
http://www.verbatim.com/prod/accessories/keyboards/mini-wireless-slim/
http://www.shopping.com/Gear-Head-Gear-Head-Wireless-Mini-Keyboard-Mouse-KB3750W/info
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/2-4GHZ-Slim-Wireless-Keyboard-And-Optical-Mouse-Set-Combo-With-Mini-USB-Receiver-/200852248430?pt=UK_Computing_Keyboard_Mouse_Bundles&hash=item2ec3ba176e

I received the 510b so far haven't really got a chance to play around with it. You really need a good remote . Anyone found a good app for using your phone as a remote I tried a few with no luck.

Dazza · 05-12-2012 11:04pm

Hey guys. Thanks for the advice.
Thinking of picking this one up : http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290826296357#ht_3498wt_1397
Ordered one of those scart adapters for my tv last week . From China so could be a while

eamonnq · 05-12-2012 11:43pm

Tango One wrote: »

I received the 510b so far haven't really got a chance to play around with it. You really need a good remote . Anyone found a good app for using your phone as a remote I tried a few with no luck.

http://dx.com/p/mele-f10-fly-mouse-3-in-1-2-4ghz-wireless-air-mouse-keyboard-remote-control-black-128312

A good remote. Am using this one with my UHOST at the moment and it is great.

BeanFlicker · 06-12-2012 8:53pm

Tango One wrote: »

One last question is it 2 or 4gb internal memory. They seem to be back advertising it as 4GB.

Sorry only getting to this now tango, it was only 2gbp but he threw in an 8gbp micro sd, how u finding it so far?

Looking forward to the weekend now and getting xbmc properly set up

Tango One · 06-12-2012 9:52pm

Kinda left it there till I get a proper remote with a keyboard and mouse. What are you using to control the box?. It seems to have had a price drop and the internal memory is back to 4GB on there site.

seamey beag84 · 06-12-2012 10:43pm

Anybody get any type of Android box or stick from HongKongGeek. Im getting a Tablet for my brother from there and getting myself the tv set-up.
Are the boxes better than the dongle's because there is a bit of price difference. I'm willing to pay the extra for a really good Wifi connection and at least have a dual core, 1g ram. I was going to get the mk808 but they dont seem to have it.. Is the MK802 III the same thing?

Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers..

Stoner · 07-12-2012 12:13am

seamey beag84 wrote: »

Anybody get any type of Android box or stick from HongKongGeek. Im getting a Tablet for my brother from there and getting myself the tv set-up.
Are the boxes better than the dongle's because there is a bit of price difference. I'm willing to pay the extra for a really good Wifi connection and at least have a dual core, 1g ram. I was going to get the mk808 but they dont seem to have it.. Is the MK802 III the same thing?

Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers..

No. MK808 is not a mk802lll, the rk3066 and mk808 are good codes to watch for imo, I picked up a tablet 10 off ebay with the mk808 dual core chip and it's reasonably fast, much better than the A10s or mk 802 or any of the other misleading names out there many of which are over clocked older single processor chips.
The tablet was 150 euro and the guy was based in Ireland so no worries with tax. I am chasing him for two more. Had to add an msd card 32gb as they only have 8GB on board but now it has 40, the card was only 20 euro. It was not for me a guy in work is using it and he dies not push things like I would so I can't fully vouch for them, but he wants two for his kids.

seamey beag84 · 07-12-2012 12:56am

Thanks Stoner.

The amount of Android tablets and mini PC's is crazy..! Lost from looking through them. I see that the mk802 III has the rk3066 chip so that's grand. MK802 III What I'm worried about though is the Wifi connectivity.. I think I'll hold out the weekend and root out as much as i can about them.

Do-more · 07-12-2012 9:27am

It seems like all these stick have wifi problems even the newer ones with dual antennas probably as a result of stuffing everything into a small space causing interference to the electronics.

Seems people are having success in fitting dual external antennas and placing paper inside the case to prevent contact between the parts.

If you don't need the absolute small size of the stick you would be better going for a set top box like this one, it will also give you the option of a wired connection which should be more stable for streaming media. (There is a dual core version expected soon but no sign of it yet.)

Chet T16 · 07-12-2012 7:51pm

My ug802 wifi is ok, the biggest problem is when you try and stick them behind the electromagnetically shielded fortress that is a modern tv.

seamey beag84 · 11-12-2012 11:48pm

Do-more wrote: »

If you don't need the absolute small size of the stick you would be better going for a set top box like this one, it will also give you the option of a wired connection which should be more stable for streaming media. (There is a dual core version expected soon but no sign of it yet.)

The size of the box or stick is no issue for me anyway. I don't really get how the sticks pack a better processor and more ram than the boxes though. I'd rather a box that had a couple of usb connections and a wired internet connection/wifi option built in. I'll be holdin out another few weeks, no android TV for christmas though...booo...

Tango One · 13-12-2012 12:04pm

Bit of a tip don't update busybox if you have a 510b it pretty much bricks the box. I'm waiting on an answer from the manufacturer hopefully they have a fix.

TheLastMile · 14-12-2012 12:09am

Hey . What do people think of this one?
here
Thanks

Peregrine · 14-12-2012 12:17am

TheLastMile wrote: »

Hey . What do people think of this one?
here
Thanks

I bought one last month and I love it, no WiFi or overheating problems either. Left it running movies for 5 hours and it was still not warm.

€70 sounds awfully priced, I got mine for around €50

aN.Droid · 17-12-2012 12:40am

Tango One wrote: »

Bit of a tip don't update busybox if you have a 510b it pretty much bricks the box. I'm waiting on an answer from the manufacturer hopefully they have a fix.

Thanks for that. Have one coming tomorrow and would of tried to update busybox had I not seen this!

Tango One · 17-12-2012 9:15pm

Limericks wrote: »

Thanks for that. Have one coming tomorrow and would of tried to update busybox had I not seen this!

There is a fix for it thankfully.
http://www.futeko.com/forum/index.php?id=5769

aN.Droid · 18-12-2012 6:47am

Tango One wrote: »

There is a fix for it thankfully.
http://www.futeko.com/forum/index.php?id=5769

Ahhh that's good. Did you manage to update busybox after getting it back working?

Also it says on the site it is a 4gb internal memory unit but I received a 2gb unit. I emailed them and expect a reply tomorrow

Also anyone who is getting one (510b) note that the included remote is not very good. I recommend getting a third party RF remote or a wireless mouse and keyboard combo.

Tango One · 18-12-2012 10:45am

Haven't got a chance yet to mess around with it again. I thought the latest version was 4gig mine is 2gig but they sent a free sd card with it.

I'm trying to get droidmote working with it. It looks like a good alternative to buying a remote.

aN.Droid · 18-12-2012 3:26pm

Tango One wrote: »

Haven't got a chance yet to mess around with it again. I thought the latest version was 4gig mine is 2gig but they sent a free sd card with it.

I'm trying to get droidmote working with it. It looks like a good alternative to buying a remote.

I am using droidmote and it does the job but I bought this as a present for the mother for xmas and she doesnt have a droid phone so useless for her.

I'll probably end up getting a keyboard/mouse for her.

Yep 2 gig version sent to me, yet to get a reply from them. Probably busy at this time of the year.

wayne040576 · 19-12-2012 10:13am

Limericks wrote: »

I am using droidmote and it does the job but I bought this as a present for the mother for xmas and she doesnt have a droid phone so useless for her.

I'll probably end up getting a keyboard/mouse for her.

Yep 2 gig version sent to me, yet to get a reply from them. Probably busy at this time of the year.

A 510b for your mother?
Are you sure this is a good present for her. I got mine yesterday and after a few hours messing with it, I don't know who I could recommend it to.
Even with droidmote the interface is not great to use. I just don't like the idea of using a mouse for a TV interface.

Netflix doesn't work, I just get a black screen with sound - is it supposed to be able to work on these?
It loses the wifi signal after it wakes up from sleep.
I haven't tried installing xmbc yet but I don't know if the box has the horsepower to play any thing on it.

I'll spend some more time with it over the next week or so. Hopefully XBMC will
improve it a little!

Ste- · 19-12-2012 2:55pm

wayne040576 wrote: »

A 510b for your mother?
Are you sure this is a good present for her. I got mine yesterday and after a few hours messing with it, I don't know who I could recommend it to.
Even with droidmote the interface is not great to use. I just don't like the idea of using a mouse for a TV interface.

Netflix doesn't work, I just get a black screen with sound - is it supposed to be able to work on these?
It loses the wifi signal after it wakes up from sleep.
I haven't tried installing xmbc yet but I don't know if the box has the horsepower to play any thing on it.

I'll spend some more time with it over the next week or so. Hopefully XBMC will
improve it a little!

There's meant to be an older version of netflix that works on these.
search around this forum and you should find it.
Don't use netflix myself so can't say which version it is you need.

Tango One · 19-12-2012 3:24pm

Limericks wrote: »

I am using droidmote and it does the job but I bought this as a present for the mother for xmas and she doesnt have a droid phone so useless for her.

I'll probably end up getting a keyboard/mouse for her.

Yep 2 gig version sent to me, yet to get a reply from them. Probably busy at this time of the year.

Did droidmote work straight out of the box for you?

Do-more · 19-12-2012 6:03pm

Ste- wrote: »

There's meant to be an older version of netflix that works on these.
search around this forum and you should find it.
Don't use netflix myself so can't say which version it is you need.

Here's the one that works with the MK802/808 I'd imagine it's the one you need.

aN.Droid · 19-12-2012 6:09pm

wayne040576 wrote: »

A 510b for your mother?
Are you sure this is a good present for her. I got mine yesterday and after a few hours messing with it, I don't know who I could recommend it to.
Even with droidmote the interface is not great to use. I just don't like the idea of using a mouse for a TV interface.

Netflix doesn't work, I just get a black screen with sound - is it supposed to be able to work on these?
It loses the wifi signal after it wakes up from sleep.
I haven't tried installing xmbc yet but I don't know if the box has the horsepower to play any thing on it.

I'll spend some more time with it over the next week or so. Hopefully XBMC will
improve it a little!

Mine doesn't lose wifi after wakeup? Maybe you need to do an update to the box?

My mother will pick it up fairly fast if she uses a keyboard and mouse combo. I had ordered this: http://www.static.cdn.loopygadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Logitech-Wireless-Touch-Keyboard-k400r.jpg but logitech ran out of stock and refunded me. Will probably get it after the xmas.

I'm using xbmc 12 rc1 on it and it works fine. Takes a little longer to load stuff than my PC but that is to be expected.

RE droidmote, yeah it worked right out of the box. Run the app on the 510b and then put the ip into the app on your phone and your flying it. The only problem is the home key on it doesn't actually do anything.

Tango One · 19-12-2012 6:17pm

Strange I was getting a connection error using droidmote.

aN.Droid · 19-12-2012 7:40pm

Tango One wrote: »

Strange I was getting a connection error using droidmote.

Did you root your box when you reinstalled the firmware?

It needs to be rooted for the server to work, the client an be ran on a non rooted phone though.

I got a connection error aswell the first time I tried to use it but now it works everytime.

Are you using the latest version from the play store? If you are using an apk from the net I don't think it will work as all that's in the net is old version. ( I couldn't find the apk for the latest version 3.0.1 so bought it outright instead of doing a test on a cracked version like i usually do before buying)

Tango One · 19-12-2012 9:55pm

Yeah box was rooted it might of been an old version I was running. Will give it another go

Tango One · 20-12-2012 1:08am

Anyone got a chance to try Pivos version of xbmc it looks to have hardware decode, it may not work with the Geniatech 510b though.

Firmware
http://www.pivosforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=669
XBMC Android
http://www.pivosforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=847

XBMC Linux
http://www.pivosforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2009

Do-more · 20-12-2012 9:20am

Tango One wrote: »

Anyone got a chance to try Pivos version of xbmc it looks to have hardware decode, it may not work with the Geniatech 510b though.

Firmware
http://www.pivosforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=669
XBMC Android
http://www.pivosforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=847

XBMC Linux
http://www.pivosforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2009

I'd suggest checking with Futeko, the 510b is the exact same unit as the Pivos XIOS DS M3 both made by Geniatech, but I think Pivos were getting pissed off with everyone using their firmware in products other than their own and I read somewhere that they were going to put some sort of lock on it so that it would only load on boxes with their serial number.

Not sure if that has happened or just a tall story, if it has then the firmware won't load but I'd expect the Pivos specific XBMC should load and be tailored exactly for the equipment in the 510B.

Tango One · 20-12-2012 11:43am

It looks like they added some build prop check to it when flashing.

ldr · 21-12-2012 1:22pm

One question. Plugin a smartphone example the S3 to the tv wouldn't that be the same as one of this mini pc's?

Stoner · 30-12-2012 2:09am

ldr wrote: »

One question. Plugin a smartphone example the S3 to the tv wouldn't that be the same as one of this mini pc's?

It would be better, the s3 has a better processor. The HTC one x has too. I've run bench checks on the Mk808 vs both of these phones and they comprehensively beat the dual core processor with their operational 4 cores etc.

But these things are only 50 euro plus with the remote they are handy and you can keep your phone with you, but imho you are correct they will give you no more functionality than a phone. The s2 would be closer to the Mk808

Stoner · 30-12-2012 2:13am

Anyone getting a decent signal from a usb to ethernet unit on the Mk808 808 if so what are you using.

Stoner · 30-12-2012 2:23am

BeanFlicker wrote: »

Hi Stoner,

Few quick questions:

1) What flash player do you have installed on the MK808?
2) What play store region you set to?
3) Have you got rte player up and running?

Cheers

Very sorry for the delay.
I'm using dolphin with a flash plug in is working reasonably well with Rte player. I'm open to your suggestions for improvements though as I've had to force it closed a couple of times, I got the flash apk online and still have it.

I did not mess with any play store regions so I assume I am just set to Ireland inherited from my Gmail account login details.

Do-more · 03-01-2013 7:58pm

Just saw this posted over in Bargain Alerts..

Deal Extreme currently have the Uhost U2 for only US$20.50 delivered (about €16).

Very cheap stick for anyone who wants to try one out.

eamonnq · 03-01-2013 8:11pm

Do-more wrote: »

Just saw this posted over in Bargain Alerts..

Deal Extreme currently have the Uhost U2 for only US$20.50 delivered (about €16).

Very cheap stick for anyone who wants to try one out.

Good price alright but that is NOT actually a UHOST U2. It is the U1A that they have in the pictures. The UHOST U2 has 2 full size USB slots, and has a HDMI socket rather than the HDMI plug that the Uhost U1A uses.

freestyla · 13-01-2013 3:25am

Got mine MK802 finally yeeii

Ordered in september from DX.com, check page 3 i think in this thread

got it 2 days ago, never had any order lost that badly before

but me happy now.. amazing that €60 PC works fine straight out of the box.

I think it has G Wlan since it's not as good as my N devices in the same room but should be grand after sticking a Wlan repetitor into wall socket nearby.

wayne040576 · 13-01-2013 2:32pm

So after a few weeks of messing about with the 510b I'm ready to sell it. I really can't see a proper use case for this device. The interface is terrible, xbmc still doesn't work. The official builds don't do hardware decoding and the builds that do keep crashing when I try to play any video.
None of the other video apps play proper full screen video, I'm always left with the android soft buttons in "hide mode".
I could see a use for a skinned for TV android box.

But at the moment as much as it pains me to say, I still think a hacked apple TV 2nd gen is the best all round device for this type of stuff and I already have 2 of them!

I'll probably sell it on adverts and keep an eye on the development of these boxes.

Dozen Wicked Words · 13-01-2013 2:36pm

wayne040576 wrote: »

So after a few weeks of messing about with the 510b I'm ready to sell it. I really can't see a proper use case for this device. The interface is terrible, xbmc still doesn't work. The official builds don't do hardware decoding and the builds that do keep crashing when I try to play any video.
None of the other video apps play proper full screen video, I'm always left with the android soft buttons in "hide mode".
I could see a use for a skinned for TV android box.

But at the moment as much as it pains me to say, I still think a hacked apple TV 2nd gen is the best all round device for this type of stuff and I already have 2 of them!

I'll probably sell it on adverts and keep an eye on the development of these boxes.

Can a 2nd gen Apple TV be bought for anywhere near the price. Would have thought there would be a massive price difference between the two but its not something I know much about.

wayne040576 · 13-01-2013 2:43pm

dooferoaks wrote: »

Can a 2nd gen Apple TV be bought for anywhere near the price. Would have thought there would be a massive price difference between the two but its not something I know much about.

No a 2nd gen apple TV now sells for more than a 3rd gen. They were originally 100 quid new but I've seen them on eBay for more than twice that these days. That's because they can be hacked A third gen is still 100 new but you can't hack them yet.
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

Gran Hermano · 13-01-2013 3:20pm

Anyone have experience with the Neo G4?
http://dx.com/p/161085

Android Mini PCs, Yay or Nay?

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