Android box or HTPC

Big Turd

Hey,

So not sure here, how much is a good android box? Are those chinese ones any good?

How much is a good HTPC? I'd imagine one of these is the far better option?

Opinions please?

Nollog

An android box will be cheaper and quieter. I got one off ebay for 30 euro.

I've built and bought htpcs and stuff before.

Personally, I wouldn't get an Android box with less than 2gb ram. I managed to get an M8S+ for €42 delivered, but they seem more like €50-60 now.

There are a lot of boxes with 1gb ram that 'do the trick' for a lot cheaper, but I wouldn't view them as decent.

mass_debater

Nvidia shield tv

captain_boycott

Big Turd wrote: »

Hey,

So not sure here, how much is a good android box? Are those chinese ones any good?

How much is a good HTPC? I'd imagine one of these is the far better option?

Opinions please?

If by "good" you mean reliable and crash free then no, they do tend to be less reliable that something build on a solid OS such as Linux or Windows. But they are the cheapest option. If you want something low cost and just want to run kodi pick one with good reputation and can be flashed with OpenElec/Libreelec.

Better options? NUC or other HTPC solution or even the Raspberry Pi if you don't mind the necessary tinkering to put all the pieces together.

Stoner

I'd always had a good HTPC. Mostly self built.

However I gave mine away about 6 month's ago. Stopped using it.

I've an Amazon fire TV now.
Quiet solid never falls over ,

Big Turd

Amazon Fire, is that subscription or whats it all about?

Kristopherus

Big Turd wrote: »

Amazon Fire, is that subscription or whats it all about?

Its a box designed and built for Amazon. The current model costs £80.00

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Fire-TV-4K-Ultra/dp/B00UH2O6T2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476620945&sr=8-2&keywords=Fire+TV.

Currently not delivering to Ireland, but if you have family/friends in UK or North, you could arrange delivery to them.

Big Turd

Oh it has a usb port, so you can plug a HDD into it?

My internet speeds wouldn't be great at all though for the streaming end of things.

I've never used Kodi, can you put that on it or is it closed source type of thing?

The build quality on this should be good, better than the android boxes?

killbillvol2

Basil3 wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't get an Android box with less than 2gb ram. I managed to get an M8S+ for €42 delivered, but they seem more like €50-60 now.

There are a lot of boxes with 1gb ram that 'do the trick' for a lot cheaper, but I wouldn't view them as decent.

If price wasn't an issue what's the best Android box out there at the moment?

mass_debater

killbillvol2 wrote: »

If price wasn't an issue what's the best Android box out there at the moment?

Nvidia shield tv, it's powerful enough to be a Plex server and has Plex support but also will play a decent selection of games

killbillvol2

killbillvol2 wrote: »

If price wasn't an issue what's the best Android box out there at the moment?

As mentioned above, probably Nvidia Shield TV

Stoner

Big Turd wrote:

I've never used Kodi, can you put that on it or is it closed source type of thing?

It runs kodi very well. The build is top quality

I never put a HDD drive in it, can't see it being an issue though, but check it.