Android Mini PCs, Yay or Nay?

Kenno90

So i've been really interested with Android Mini PCs lately.

You plug them into to your TV via HDMI and it gives your TV Android 4.0 with all the bells and whistles. Plus if you're an existing android user then you get all your paid apps

I've seen a few examples including the MK802, Equiso Smart Tv and a few others.

Has anybody used one of these, i'd love to buy the Equiso but its only on Kickstarter and would be next year before they start selling. (If the're lucky)

The MK802 seems to get mixed reviews as it tends to over heat. Even trying to buy it online is tricky as there doesn't seem to be an official website

iwo

Kenno90 wrote: »

So i've been really interested with Android Mini PCs lately.

You plug them into to your TV via HDMI and it gives your TV Android 4.0 with all the bells and whistles. Plus if you're an existing android user then you get all your paid apps

I've seen a few examples including the MK802, Equiso Smart Tv and a few others.

Has anybody used one of these, i'd love to buy the Equiso but its only on Kickstarter and would be next year before they start selling. (If the're lucky)

The MK802 seems to get mixed reviews as it tends to over heat. Even trying to buy it online is tricky as there doesn't seem to be an official website

I have two of them and one for sale...
I play with it for last few days... Good for music, netflix, web browsing and games... It only consumes 5v so can be left on for a while...

Kenno90

iwo wrote: »

I have two of them and one for sale...
I play with it for last few days... Good for music, netflix, web browsing and games... It only consumes 5v so can be left on for a while...

Are You talking about the Mk802?

Have you tried youtube on it ? Any Good?

iwo

Yes, mk802. 1gb...yt plays great! Pm me if interested or find me on adverts.ie

ED E

iwo wrote: »

It only consumes 5v so can be left on for a while...

Technically 5v isnt a rating of consumption, you want to look at the wattage, but yes, its low power.

Stoner

ED E wrote: »

Technically 5v isnt a rating of consumption, you want to look at the wattage, but yes, its low power.

`
I'd say it would possibly only consume 5Watt though when Idle.

freestyla

Bumping up since PC stick seems to be awesome product for the price!

Any thoughts/comments what's good/bad ?

Just ordered MK802 as my first such device, but I'm looking already for alternatives like Z902 and the Rockchip one

Is this possible to connect to existing home WiFi network and see shared files from Windows 7 computers?

balkieb2002

Yeah I am also very interested in these.

Would love to know which is the best around at moment and best place to get one as I heard of long waits for shipping.

I like the look of the MK802 and the Android OS. Also see that XBMC will be working on it so thats a big plus.

Never heard of the Z902 or the Rockchip one so thanks for the links.

iwo

balkieb2002 wrote: »

Yeah I am also very interested in these.

Would love to know which is the best around at moment and best place to get one as I heard of long waits for shipping.

I like the look of the MK802 and the Android OS. Also see that XBMC will be working on it so thats a big plus.

Never heard of the Z902 or the Rockchip one so thanks for the links.

I have mk802 for sale if interested 55euro shipped... My ad is on adverts.

freestyla

iwo wrote: »

I have mk802 for sale if interested 55euro shipped... My ad is on adverts.

so Iwo tell us, what you didn't like and selling it away?

what kind of power supply it uses? do we need an adapter here in ireland?

Kenno90

freestyla wrote: »

so Iwo tell us, what you didn't like and selling it away?

what kind of power supply it uses? do we need an adapter here in ireland?

There is an updated MK802 out there, bear that in mind

iwo

freestyla wrote: »

so Iwo tell us, what you didn't like and selling it away?

what kind of power supply it uses? do we need an adapter here in ireland?

I have two of them for two tv's but got hdmi splitter so i can sell one... It uses very little energy. It is supplied with charger /plug (two pin plug)

Very nice tool.

Btw i don't like the new mk802 due to:
Lack of charger in the box
To stick it to tv directly which isn't handy for me as my tv is on the wall.
There is nothing else upgraded except usb power (if your tv support it) and this direct plug in...

Kenno90

iwo wrote: »

I have two of them for two tv's but got hdmi splitter so i can sell one... It uses very little energy. It is supplied with charger /plug (two pin plug)

Very nice tool.

Btw i don't like the new mk802 due to:
Lack of charger in the box
To stick it to tv directly which isn't handy for me as my tv is on the wall.
There is nothing else upgraded except usb power (if your tv support it) and this direct plug in...

The new one not have more ram , no ?

iwo

no... Both versions have two options 512mb or 1gb... Mine is 1gb btw

Stoner

freestyla wrote: »

Is this possible to connect to existing home WiFi network and see shared files from Windows 7 computers?

yes, install ES File Explorer

I've ordered the Rockchip unit with XBMC onboard.

I'm ignoring the temptation to get the A10 Allwinner chips.

Im also not getting a thumb drive unit as I want the wired Lan and I've read some negative reviews on the wifi performance, although firmware may have addressed it.

all in all I'm happier with the Rockchip in the larger box as ill have a lan port, a decent WiFi antenna and a remote control, so i think its worth the extra money

quick edit

i think this is the one i ordered

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/G-Box-Midnight-Android-IP-TV-Box-A9-M3-CPU-4GB-1080p-XBMC-Mini-Web-Player-PC-/221127615749?pt=US_Internet_Media_Streamers&hash=item337c3ba505#ht_4407wt_1397

not really sure as he ordered it when i popped the link over to him. Looks very much like the one I got anyway, sorry i cant check

balkieb2002

Where did you order the Rockchip from?

Looks like the best one out there at the moment.

Stoner

I got it on ebay, its expensive to ship in but my buddy in the states ordered it and I'm seeing him in two weeks.

it cost less than 80 euro

freestyla

freestyla wrote: »

Is this possible to connect to existing home WiFi network and see shared files from Windows 7 computers?

Stoner wrote: »

yes, install ES File Explorer

thanks. you know if have to copy files to device or I can stream over wifi ?

they speak about network and shares but can't find any stream word there..

Stoner

freestyla wrote: »

freestyla wrote: »

Is this possible to connect to existing home WiFi network and see shared files from Windows 7 computers?

Stoner wrote: »

yes, install ES File Explorer

thanks. you know if have to copy files to device or I can stream over wifi ?

they speak about network and shares but can't find any stream word there..

There is a source button on the top left of the app and you select lan, there it shows the devices and their IP addresses, you just tap them and your shares open and you stream away, works on my HTC Onex and nexus 7 without issue.

Make sure auto sync is off as some notifications pause the stream. I use a nas , never tried the PC but it shows up as a device when its on, i just never needed to check it should not be an issue, I just don't keep media on my PC.

It is the simplest app of its type I ever used compared to dnla and samba servers etc, this just installs and works, it bypassed any passwords I had though so anyone on my WiFi nw with this app would get access to my documents and files

freestyla

Stoner wrote: »

There is a source button on the top left of the app and you select lan, there it shows the devices and their IP addresses, you just tap them and your shares open and you stream away, works on my HTC Onex and nexus 7 without issue.

Make sure auto sync is off as some notifications pause the stream. I use a nas , never tried the PC but it shows up as a device when its on, i just never needed to check it should not be an issue, I just don't keep media on my PC.

It is the simplest app of its type I ever used compared to dnla and samba servers etc, this just installs and works, it bypassed any passwords I had though so anyone on my WiFi nw with this app would get access to my documents and files

your legend. will try the app on S2 now..

balkieb2002

That box that Stoner is getting is quite nice but I think I'd rather something smaller i.e. the usb key version.

Only place I've seen the Rockchip version so far is on Aliexpress but that's like waiting a month or so shipping (and then it may not even arrive).

Would the second core really make that much differerence or do people find that a single core device like the MK802 works for everything they throw at it?

massy086

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221125414615;PdsSession=e637572f1390a47a15e79527fff260c5 this is another good option and you can make an offer

freestyla

juebao wrote: »

Why not try a MK808? It is the first Android 4.1 Jelly Bean mini PC. No matter it is MK802, or MK808, there isn't a official website to sell it, because the manufacturer does not sell the product itself.

Nice one with dual-core@1.6ghz and only a tenner extra of mk802! No need for the bundle IMO cause Lenovo keyboard is useless in dark :P (no backlit)..
Box itself is only $65

tallaghtmick

juebao wrote: »

Why not try a MK808? It is the first Android 4.1 Jelly Bean mini PC. No matter it is MK802, or MK808, there isn't a official website to sell it, because the manufacturer does not sell the product itself.

What are these like for streaming? I use letmewatchthis.com would it stream ok on that?

freestyla

tallaghtmick wrote: »

What are these like for streaming? I use letmewatchthis.com would it stream ok on that?

I guess everything works just fine. Android has Adobe Flash also so should be compatible with older web sites too.

Atomic Pineapple

freestyla wrote: »

I guess everything works just fine. Android has Adobe Flash also so should be compatible with older web sites too.

If it has 4.1 Jelly Bean on it Flash is no longer officially supported.

freestyla

draffodx wrote: »

If it has 4.1 Jelly Bean on it Flash is no longer officially supported.

True that.

so if you got a page that has Flash content, use Android 4.0 or older.

griffdaddy

You can sideload the Flash apk and use Firefox or any browser except Chrome to watch Flash on Android 4.1

Justin10

I stream a lot of stuff and then connect my laptop to my TV through a VGA cable. I dont hace the audio cable so just let the sound come through the speakers of my laptop.

Would these be able to do the same job with the audio. Like been able to use the laptop while im watching some things.

To use these I would have to purchase a keyboard and mouse? Is that correct?

Thanks.

freestyla

Rochey18 wrote: »

I stream a lot of stuff and then connect my laptop to my TV through a VGA cable. I dont hace the audio cable so just let the sound come through the speakers of my laptop.

Would these be able to do the same job with the audio. Like been able to use the laptop while im watching some things.

To use these I would have to purchase a keyboard and mouse? Is that correct?

Thanks.

TV has to have HDMI port where you stick the Android PC.

PC itself has 1 USB port where you can connect USB mouse or keyboard. Need a USB hub for connecting both.
The most convenient is a wireless keyboard with touchpad integrated -like that MK808 Bundle mick posted earlier ^^

TPD

Stoner wrote: »

yes, install ES File Explorer

I've ordered the Rockchip unit with XBMC onboard.

I'm ignoring the temptation to get the A10 Allwinner chips.

Im also not getting a thumb drive unit as I want the wired Lan and I've read some negative reviews on the wifi performance, although firmware may have addressed it.

all in all I'm happier with the Rockchip in the larger box as ill have a lan port, a decent WiFi antenna and a remote control, so i think its worth the extra money

quick edit

i think this is the one i ordered

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/G-Box-Midnight-Android-IP-TV-Box-A9-M3-CPU-4GB-1080p-XBMC-Mini-Web-Player-PC-/221127615749?pt=US_Internet_Media_Streamers&hash=item337c3ba505#ht_4407wt_1397

not really sure as he ordered it when i popped the link over to him. Looks very much like the one I got anyway, sorry i cant check

Hi Stoner, I was wondering if you'd been playing about with the device. How'd you find it?

I'm heading to the states tomorrow, thinking of picking one up (placed a bid already) when I'm there. Basically just want it for an easy interface for web browsing and watching shows from a usb hard drive for the parents.

Star Lord

Don't have one of these, but considering it, just don't know what one to go for!

With regard to streaming, I'd recommend the Emit app. Works ridiculously well over both the network, or you can enable web access that works via a pin code (so no dynamic dns required) and for extra security you can password protect it.

Cyrus

whats the best one of these boxes to get for XBMC lads,

im thinking of replacing my atv2 eventually

Chet T16

I've just got my UG802, a vast improvement on the MK802 no doubt. I still need to find a usable way to control it tho

TPD

Chet T16 wrote: »

I've just got my UG802, a vast improvement on the MK802 no doubt. I still need to find a usable way to control it tho

I have one of these which I'm hoping will work:

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboards/wireless-touch-keyboard-k400

Very handy design, sadly missing some media buttons which would have made it perfect.

Chet T16

TPD wrote: »

I have one of these which I'm hoping will work:

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboards/wireless-touch-keyboard-k400

Very handy design, sadly missing some media buttons which would have made it perfect.

I actually have a dinovo mini that works with it but i'm not convinced by mouse control although that looks to have a better thumbpad. For a media player i think i want a good handheld remote.

This is the same problem i had when i first got a "proper" computer connected to the tv and the reason i have numerous keyboards and remote control things lying around.

princemuzzy

anywhere in ireland that sells these would really like one ... anyone ordered from geekbuying? whats it like?

Tango One

This looks interesting

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Android-4-0-Google-TV-Box-ARM-Cortex-A9-WiFi-HD-1080P-HDMI-Internet-TV-Box/633218733.html

balkieb2002

Chet T16 wrote: »

I've just got my UG802, a vast improvement on the MK802 no doubt. I still need to find a usable way to control it tho

I ordered one of these, as you say it looks a good improvement over the MK802. Seen a few videos of it streaming movies etc and looks to do the job.

Ordered Gyroscope Wireless Air Fly Mouse+Keyboard to control it. Seen it in a few videos and looks to do the job. More details here

Do-more

Cyrus wrote: »

whats the best one of these boxes to get for XBMC lads,

im thinking of replacing my atv2 eventually

If you want it for XBMC then you should get one with one of the AMlogic 8726 chip family.

This is because that is what the Pivos Xios is based on and Pivos is the company sponsoring the development of Android XBMC and AmLogic have released the source code for these chips to allow full hardware acceleration in XBMC.

That is what the G box Dyno and G box Midnight are based on.

The A22 from Pandawill is to the best of my knowledge the exact same as the G Box Dyno and costs $55 delivered (+ customs charges if you are unlucky).

And the GV13 that Tango One linked to above looks like it is the same as the G Box Midnight.

The biggest OEM producer of AmLogic based android sticks and set top boxes is Geniatech they produce the Xios for Pivos for example.

The are just rolling out some versions based on the dual core AmLogic chip which are the ones to go for IMO.

The stick is the ATV120 and the set top box is the ATV1200, there is also the ATV1600 version of the set top box which has HDMI pass through.

It's hard to find any of the dual core versions at a good price yet but they should be appearing under multiple different brand names soon.

Cyrus

Do-more wrote: »

If you want it for XBMC then you should get one with one of the AMlogic 8726 chip family.

This is because that is what the Pivos Xios is based on and Pivos is the company sponsoring the development of Android XBMC and AmLogic have released the source code for these chips to allow full hardware acceleration in XBMC.

That is what the G box Dyno and G box Midnight are based on.

The A22 from Pandawill is to the best of my knowledge the exact same as the G Box Dyno and costs $55 delivered (+ customs charges if you are unlucky).

And the GV13 that Tango One linked to above looks like it is the same as the G Box Midnight.

The biggest OEM producer of AmLogic based android sticks and set top boxes is Geniatech they produce the Xios for Pivos for example.

The are just rolling out some versions based on the dual core AmLogic chip which are the ones to go for IMO.

The stick is the ATV120 and the set top box is the ATV1200, there is also the ATV1600 version of the set top box which has HDMI pass through.

It's hard to find any of the dual core versions at a good price yet but they should be appearing under multiple different brand names soon.

some great info, thank you, and you are rights, its xbmc that interests me most

are there any android apps yet that allow you to control remotely?

the one thing the atv2 has licked is the remote

Do-more

Cyrus wrote: »

are there any android apps yet that allow you to control remotely?

the one thing the atv2 has licked is the remote

I jumped in too early and bought an MK802 before I realised it's short comings in relation to XBMC, so I have just been doing the research before I buy something else and therefore have no practical experience with XBMC.

If you have an Android phone or tablet you can probably use an app called Droidmote but check first if the stick you buy is compatible but I think most are.

There are also various different fly mouse + keyboard remote controls like the one that balkieb2002 linked to above that seem to work well.

Tango One

Might go for a GV-13 seems to be not too bad on price but wonder will it be easy to get firmware updates.

edit:
Seems to be available under a few names
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-Shipping-Android-4-0-Google-Internet-TV-Box-with-Amlogic-8726-M3-Cortex-A9-1/613484_613059048.html

And it looks like you might be able to get custom roms for it too
http://androidforums.com/google-tv/530964-android-2-3-4-0-wifi-internet-hd-1080p-hdmi-google-tv-box-arm-cortex-a9-firmware-22.html#post4879387

Do-more

There is a thread on the XBMC forum for that "Smart TV box".

Also a long thread for the G-box Midnight.

It appears that you can install the G-box firmware on the Smart TV box, and G-box have pretty frequent updates.

Let us know how you get on, I am in no rush so I think I will wait for the dual core set top boxes to hit the market at a reasonable price.

Do-more

I emailed Futeko in the UK today as they are now stocking the MyGica 510B made by Geniatech to ask them about the dual core ATV1200. They replied that it hasn't entered production yet but they will have it as soon as it does, they estimated that they should have it on sale in about a month. No details on price yet.

pasta-solo

hi, looking for some advice if anyone has one of these. I'm looking to use one for console emulation - how do they hold up? Particularly the MK802 II? Or any other model ye could recommend?

Mainly looking to play old NES/SNES/Megadrive, maybe even N64, Psone if possible! anyone have expereince with this?

kenyard

pasta-solo wrote: »

hi, looking for some advice if anyone has one of these. I'm looking to use one for console emulation - how do they hold up? Particularly the MK802 II? Or any other model ye could recommend?

Mainly looking to play old NES/SNES/Megadrive, maybe even N64, Psone if possible! anyone have expereince with this?

the one im using has better processing power than the galaxy s3 afaik and that can run N64 games (the s3), so im guessing it shouldnt be an issue...
controller or whatever might be, as there is only one usb slot on the one i have.
im only using netflix mainly on it tbh. had been hoping for more, but i dunno what i was hoping for at the same time :P
its handy for a few little things like that. i wud prefer a better mouse and keyboard is all

griffdaddy

kenyard wrote: »

the one im using has better processing power than the galaxy s3 afaik and that can run N64 games (the s3), so im guessing it shouldnt be an issue...
controller or whatever might be, as there is only one usb slot on the one i have.
im only using netflix mainly on it tbh. had been hoping for more, but i dunno what i was hoping for at the same time :P
its handy for a few little things like that. i wud prefer a better mouse and keyboard is all

Which one are you using? The S3 is quadcore and I think the best of the sticks are dualcore at the moment. I've ordered an MK808 as that seems to be the most powerful at the moment, it's dualcore

Do-more

The ODROID-X development board (à la raspberry pi) is available for $129 which has a quad core Cortex A9 processor but I have no idea what it runs like.

Chet T16

pasta-solo wrote: »

hi, looking for some advice if anyone has one of these. I'm looking to use one for console emulation - how do they hold up? Particularly the MK802 II? Or any other model ye could recommend?

Mainly looking to play old NES/SNES/Megadrive, maybe even N64, Psone if possible! anyone have expereince with this?

I just installed these emulators on my UG802 and they seem to be running fine.

Trying to control mario kart 64 from my dinovo mini isn't going so well...

griffdaddy

If you get a converter thing from eBay you can use playstation pads with the otg cable. If you don't have playstation pads you could just get usb pads and use them with the otg and a hub