Android Boxes

[Dollar]

I've had a Firestick with Kodi for a while right now. Not really too happy with it. I'm hearing about these Android boxes and how much faster they are and a lot easier to use. I see way too many different brands out there. Some that I see are the

Shield
MINIX NEO
Some MX model
I can go on and on.

Any one have any experience with a good Android box? I'm looking to spend $60-100 (cheaper would be better as I will need it for a couple TVs). I'm not really interested in watching my own videos or storing anything like that. I'm mainly interested in just Kodi, live tv, movies, shows, etc. My main issue is having something that is pretty easy to use with the least lag and decent/good quality. Also I'll pretty much need help with the whole Kodi and repo installation process, so a box that may make that easier would be great. Any info or advice would be helpfull, thanks.

[the86d]

Check droidbox mini reviews. That will be my nxt purchase, with an airmouse of some sort with k/b on the remote...

[Dollar]

Thanks, you're talking about the Droibox T8 Mini? I'm seeing some one Amazon.

[Too Swole]

check out blvk box

[Too Swole]

Elite Mods too

[Abu Riyah]

If your only complaint is the lag with the stick, you should get a full-sized Fire TV, especially if you are an Amazon Prime subscriber. I have everything at home...several different Android boxes, two generations of Apple TV, plus both Fire TV devices, the box and the stick.

I ran a kodi server at home too, so I was using kodi to access content on my own network more than online streaming, but I recently switched to Plex for that because I like the features and remote access.

Out of everything, I really like the Fire TV best of all. It runs every app I want/need and it is very fast. Plus, it gives me access to the Amazon Prime video content which the Android boxes do not, at least not without a bit of a hack to get it to work. Kodi runs perfectly on the Fire TV and with the extra memory and speed, you can tweak it however you want once you get it installed.

[woods]

I just ended up getting an actual x86 intel. Zotac makes some good ones if you need them tiny. Otherwise any low power motherboard/cpu combo and case is great. IR remotes are like $9-$15 and allow you to use mouse, arrows, and more. Wireless keyboard/trackpad combo are under $20.

You can use tiny android devices like New Generation Raspberry Pi and it will work but in the end if you spend just a tiny bit more you can do so much more and have room to breathe and upgrade.

[sholling]

The Firestick is underpowered and I think you'll find most cheap Android boxes to also be a bit underpowered. A full-fledged FireTV is a bit better but I dumped it because I never liked its usability with Kodi or Amazon's interface. I bought a Shield TV and it's really quick for an Android box and does well with Kodi - but setup was a challenge and you'll likely want to use a keyboard and mouse to setup Kodi.

I'm no Kodi wizard but I've had my best results with an Intel based box and a FLIRC IR adapter. Since I mainly used my NUC to play my own video and music collection I repurposed it to Plex server duty and use my Shield TV for playing Plex, Kodi, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Youtube.

I'm not sure if a cheaper Celeron based NUC could have enough power.

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-NUC5CPYH-Graphics-2-5-Inch-BOXNUC5CPYH/dp/B00XPVRR5M

Discussions on the subject:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/new-low-cost-low-power-htpc-build.98350/

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/audio/home-theater-pc-htpc-media-servers.44/

[Dollar]

Thanks for the tips. Fire TV seems out of stock right now. But the shield sounds good minus the $200 price tag. I'll read up on more options.

[WoodTurner]

Look into the raspberry pi 3 with either osmc or openelec to run kodi.

[sholling]

Thanks for the tips. Fire TV seems out of stock right now. But the shield sounds good minus the $200 price tag. I'll read up on more options.

There is good info in those Audioholics links.

[NPFreedom]

The new Fire TV is due for a new release. If you are not in a hurry, i say you wait for that.

[the86d]

Thanks, you're talking about the Droibox T8 Mini? I'm seeing some one Amazon.

Yup ~$100 for a quad core Android box (dual boot to XBMC/KODI custom), octa-core graphics proc. My thoughts are more than just Kodi and Amazon options, but apears to be full-fledged Android box.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8CPje6Z20Q

Preinstalled with custom Kodi, and add-ons to your liking, it seems.

This is still my next purchase.

[the86d]

Well, I pulled the trigger on a T8 Mini, and a couple VIP remotes w/ K/Board.

For some reason my CC (ATM card, with CC number, actually) said it was declined, so I paid with a CC, and that went through.

If I remember, I'll post about my thoughts on it when it arrives. It better come with a US power adapter, as they are based in the U.K...

[nine mil thrill]

after watching the video, i also ordered a t8 Mini this morning. i have the fire tv, but i wanted a new toy to play with........