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Android Mini PCs, Yay or Nay?

  • 30-08-2012 09:50AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,184 ✭✭✭


    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 :D

    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


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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭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 :D

    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...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,184 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭iwo


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,095 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,934 ✭✭✭✭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.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,839 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭iwo


    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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,184 ✭✭✭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


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭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...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,184 ✭✭✭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 ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭iwo


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,934 ✭✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,839 ✭✭✭balkieb2002


    Where did you order the Rockchip from?

    Looks like the best one out there at the moment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,934 ✭✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭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..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,934 ✭✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭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..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,839 ✭✭✭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?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,851 ✭✭✭massy086


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭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

    2012092101834418w2uqbn7.jpg


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,724 ✭✭✭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?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭freestyla


    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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,272 ✭✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,412 ✭✭✭griffdaddy


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭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.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,047 ✭✭✭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 ^^


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,813 ✭✭✭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.


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