Replacement for my Minix X7

[BubbaLovesTV]

I've been using a Minix X7 for while, and it's 'okay'. I use it 95% for KODI and 5% for Youtube streaming. But now I'm looking for a replacement.

The biggest issues I had with the X7 were these:

- no h.265 playback
- kinda buggy software
- the USB 2.0 ports did not have enough power for my portable 4TB HD.

So basically I'm looking for an upgrade that would resolve the 3 issues I posted above. Anything around $200 (or less) would be fine.

All suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks.

[enstine86]

Hi, I replaced my Minix X7 with the Minix U1. It improved on every aspect of the x7. Kodi runs faster, it has more storage and the wifi works great.

[BubbaLovesTV]

Thanks, I'll look in to it.

Enough power for my 4TB HD is a biggy for me. Currently I need a Y cable to put in the wall power outlet. It would be great to avoid that.

[ChockyMonkey]

what about using a network based hard drive?

[BubbaLovesTV]

what about using a network based hard drive?

Never looked in to it. Can I use my existing portable HD, or do I need to buy one specially for the network? And are there 2.5" portable network HD's?

I travel a lot, so everything has to be 'pack and go' as much as possible.

[Molle]

Anything around $200 (or less) would be fine.

NVidia Shield is $199.99 in Amazon. It's a fantastic device w/r/r its media playback capabilities. I replaced my X7 with one a few months back.

I have yet to encounter a minipc which can push enough steady current to power an HDD from its USB ports. With the X7 I used a powered USB hub which had a 2.1A port (D-Link DUB-H4). With the Shield I finally switched to a NAS solution.