PC replacement - which one to choose?

[Barley]

As I understand it, the A80 devices run SATA thru USB 2.0, something you can do on most boxes with a USB-to-SATA adapter.

Thanks for that tip, I was wondering about that myself, so one only gets USB2 speed on SATA?

One more think that puzzled me: USB3 seems to be USB2 pass thru too. So what's the use of USB3 - or did they just up the amperage for the USB3 port so that one gets more power and that's it?

Do all units on the market have only SATA and USB3 pass through?

@nick789uk I definitely would want a unit with several USB ports and that mainly runs Android, Windows is only secondary.

@prahjister I wonder if all ipazzports have this problem or did u just get a bad unit? The Logitech seems like a fine keyboard, but it doesn't have an IR mode infrared, which I would really like to have.


I wonder if I should not rather buy a well tested cheaper box at around 60$ and then upgrade to a new box when Windows 10 is available and by that time there should be more dual boot Android/Windows devices and they should have had their kinks worked out.

Since I do not watch 4k/2k movies or do processor intensive gaming and mainly use the box for browsing, skype, and productivity, that should probably work out. What do you think?

[RISCy Dude]

It took me three months to make a decision on a box. And, I exceeded my intended budget by twice. So, you can understand why you might not want buying advice from me.
I wanted to spend about $70(US) shipped and I wanted Linux to be a possibility. I started looking at the MX dual core Amlogics, then I realized, that for ten more dollars, I could move to the S802 boxes. Then I saw GB had a little RK3288 box(TV011) on sale for about $50. I started to buy it, but waited so long the deal expired, price went to $85. Some people have reported enjoying the TV011.
All along new boxes with new chips were entering the market virtually everyday. I ended up buying the UT3 for $135 shipped. I do not regret my decision. However, the little voice in my head sometimes wishes I'd gone for the cheaper box, simply to save the $$. The reason behind that, is my needs for a box are not as demanding as many here. Though I do not like waiting for machines to do things, no matter what things(3D Printers and Hydro or Plasma cutters excepted). I have not looked in a while, so I don't know what $60 will get you. Many people have stated a fondness for the little S805 stick(about $40), but it does not come with a remote or the multiple USB ports you seek. There are boxes using that soc too. They are in the <$60 range. But again, for ten more bucks, you can move up to an S802 or even an S812, and ten more dollars gets you in to RK3288 territory. Now you can see how it escalated for me. I drove everyone around me nuts, I was unaffected, as I'm already nuts.
The best advice I can give you is;
Get a box that has good support and a good user base within Freaktab. Cheap or high-dollar, your ATV box-life, will be much more enjoyable and rewarding if you do so. And you won't have the feeling that it's you against the world and end up taking a hammer to the thing. When you find a box you are interested in, see if it is represented well here at Freaktab. Read a few members' experiences and it will help you avoid a lemon. Try to get something with at least 2GB/8GB minimum ram/storage. RAM is like friends when you're moving, the more the merrier.

BTW I don't know the answer to your USB3 query.
Native SATA handling, like HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0, is dependent on the SOC used in the box, and to what degree the box makers implement those features. Some SOCs are better for certain tasks, while some are better for others. Looking through the forums will help you decide which is right for you, but like me, you will probably read a lot before you get there.
Gee! I bet this is the last time you ask me for buying advice.
Good luck.

[Barley]

I bet this is the last time you ask me for buying advice.

Thank you. I like to be informed in-depth.

Actually right now I am considering this one:

http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box/pp_124593.html

It has the same processor as my Pipo M9 Max (which I like a lot) and I think it would be a great starter machine, and then I can get a dual-boot later.

[prahjister]

Good choice.

[Barley]

Bought the MK808B+ from Gearbest with coupon MK808BJY - it came to $29.99 incldg shipping. It will give me something to tinker with.

Then I will be hoping for some nice, inexpensive Windows 10/Android boxes to appear in the future.

So I went the opposite path from RISCy Dude .

One more question: I have been using USB hubs with my tablets and PCs. But I have found most of them to die on me within just a few weeks. Can anybody recommend good USB hubs for this unit that are reliable and last. Is external power needed (probably ...)?

@prahjister Does your MK808B+ work with a Logitech C525 for Skype? What about Mic in, how can that be realized? Have you used a connected USB hub with plugged in keyboard, mouse, HD, and webcam without a problem? - Thanks

[Barley]

Double post deleted

[prahjister]

Bought the MK808B+ from Gearbest with coupon MK808BJY - it came to $29.99 incldg shipping. It will give me something to tinker with.

Then I will be hoping for some nice, inexpensive Windows 10/Android boxes to appear in the future.

So I went the opposite path from RISCy Dude .

One more question: I have been using USB hubs with my tablets and PCs. But I have found most of them to die on me within just a few weeks. Can anybody recommend good USB hubs for this unit that are reliable and last. Is external power needed (probably ...)?

@prahjister Does your MK808B+ work with a Logitech C525 for Skype? What about Mic in, how can that be realized? Have you used a connected USB hub with plugged in keyboard, mouse, HD, and webcam without a problem? - Thanks

I am not sure about that particular Logitech cam. But it does work with c270 with mic. It functions as expected. No problem with cheap unpowered hub from Big lots. I have not plugged in HD. I use a NAS drive.

[ChrisG8]

Bought the MK808B+ from Gearbest with coupon MK808BJY - it came to $29.99 incldg shipping. It will give me something to tinker with.

Then I will be hoping for some nice, inexpensive Windows 10/Android boxes to appear in the future.

So I went the opposite path from RISCy Dude .

One more question: I have been using USB hubs with my tablets and PCs. But I have found most of them to die on me within just a few weeks. Can anybody recommend good USB hubs for this unit that are reliable and last. Is external power needed (probably ...)?

@prahjister Does your MK808B+ work with a Logitech C525 for Skype? What about Mic in, how can that be realized? Have you used a connected USB hub with plugged in keyboard, mouse, HD, and webcam without a problem? - Thanks

I don't know if Gearbest has that in stock, was there a delivery estimate?

http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?23416-Where-is-my-order

I ordered a Pipo X7 from Gearbest in mid January and received it yesterday about 6 weeks later. There are dozens of complaints regarding items not being in stock. I already had boxes to play with and just waited, it wasn't a big deal to me but there are many threads with non-stop whining here.

[prahjister]

I have 3 in stock. But couldn't sell at that price. I live in nc. Pm if interest. Also i have a custom img i load. Just plug in connect wifi. I have 2 custom apps one for spmc to load addons and remote update process. Payment via paypal to protect us both.

[Barley]

I have 3 in stock. But couldn't sell at that price.

I am not in the Americas.

I think I will play with the Finless ROM first.

But thanks for the offer.

[prahjister]

I am not in the Americas.

I think I will play with the Finless ROM first.

But thanks for the offer.

Stock is really good already.

[Rayzin]

I drove everyone around me nuts, I was unaffected, as I'm already nuts.

This made me COL (chuckle out loud.. no? Yes?)

Congrats on the buy! Let us know how it's working for you ya? This device is too attractive for the price and I might pick it up too.

[Barley]

Just received email that the order has been shipped. 😊

I guess Chinese New Year is over!

Wow I just noticed that they even included a photo of the readily addressed and postaged parcel.

Got an SG tracking number too.

Gearbest is doing well so far.

[Barley]

The item arrived Monday. I haven't had too much time to play with it, but in the little time I had I was impressed how smooth it went. Of course I haven't loaded many apps yet. When I use Finless ROM, can I adjust RAM size before flashing like with Riley's ROMs? Before I flash I want to save the launcher and some custom apps form stock. However I am a little confused: The device has SuperSU installed, I also added Busybox on Rails, then installed Titanium, but Titanium says "cannot work, no root". I don't really know what is going on. Need to tinker some more. However I have to admit that for a just a few dollars more I saw the MK809 Plus here: http://www.geekbuying.com/item/UStic...ck-341042.html for $36.99 with $3 coupon NDJDVJXR. In a moment of weakness I ordered this unit, since I always wanted to have a TV stick with IR remote (I don't like EM radiation).