When searching for an Android Mini PC to purchase for my home media center, I made a list of the criteria that needed to be met. First, I wanted a device that would provide a mature and stable platform for software and upgrades. In other words, I didn’t want to be on the bleeding edge. I also looked for the latest stable Android build with the highest degree of app compatibility. Secondly, I wanted to find the best combination of top hardware performance and low price among the second generation sticks. Finally, I narrowed it down to PCs that had a large amount of user support to enable my wish to upgrade and expand the stick as far as I wanted to take it. After comparing a number of Android Mini PCs, I came to the conclusion that the Tronsmart MK808B was the best overall choice for me.

The MK808B is a second generation Android Stick. In case you’re new to the category I’ll give you a very brief introduction. The products in this segment include a variety of USB stick sized computers that connect to your television or monitor via an HDMI connection. They are characterized by their small form factor and extremely low power consumption.

MK808B Plus Firmware Update v20141115 Released. Michael - November 24. Open the “USB Burning Tool.exe. Unique-Looking Lenovo G66 Android TV. The MK808B Android TV Stick comes with a mini. Noted Android developer Finless makes a custom ROM for the. As long as you're willing to flash a new ROM.

They usually include WiFi and a way of connecting Ethernet, keyboard and mouse via USB or wireless. The majority of these computers run Android (4.0 and up), but a growing number are starting to support Linux. That means they can be used as a TV connected streaming media device, or as a mini productivity computer when connected to a suitable monitor and keyboard. The MK808B is powered by the Rockchip RK3066 chipset, and the Dual Core ARM A9. It’s complimented by the Mali 400 Quad Core Graphics processor.

It has 1Gb of RAM and 8Gb of internal solid state storage. For I/O it has 3 USB ports; one full size for connecting USB hubs or other devices, one for the included power adapter and one OTG port for communicating with other devices. It also contains an HDMI out for connection to your TV/Monitor and a Micro SD slot for adding up to 32Gb of Class 10 solid state memory. With the included Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) or the optional PicUntu Linux (*see below for more info) you can watch superb 1080p HD content from Netflix, Youtube or many other services.

Because it supports 3D acceleration, you can also play a variety of 3D games at full frame rate and resolution. When configured with additional storage and accessories, the MK808B can easily serve as the cornerstone of a media center and also as a perfectly capable computer for browsing the web, checking email, listening to music or making phone calls over Skype. Androset has an updated version of the on Amazon. What I like about the MK808B This is an excellent choice for getting started in Stick Computing. Since the MK808B can be found online for around $50, it’s one of the best price/performance values on the market. Download Smog Discography Rare. Because it runs Android 4.2 you can access Google Play and many familiar applications right out of the box. You can watch 1080p HD videos from Youtube, Netflix, Google Play and HBO Go.

It’s also possible to install Kodi for full media center functionality. The external case is solid with a rubberized external surface that makes it feel polished compared to some of its competitors.

Boot time is under 30 seconds and applications load quickly. The dual core processor and the quad core Mali GPU enable demanding graphics applications like 3D to run without the usual jitters you see on less capable sticks.

You’ll find that performance is as good as standard tablets and even approaching those of desktop PC’s. Unlike some other models, there are no overheating issues with the MK808B. An over-sized heat-sink blankets the processors.

Even after days of continuous use, it remains warm to the touch without additional cooling. Extensive surface ventilation on top and bottom help with heat dissipation.

The “B” in the MK808B stands for Bluetooth, which is built-in to the stick. Bluetooth 3.0 supports a wide variety of input devices as well as speakers and headsets. The latest version of the ROM, from the original sellers, comes rooted, and includes Soft Power Off and Auto-Hide Status Bar. If you’re not satisfied with the factory ROM and applications, there are several possibilities for upgrading that I’ve outlined below. Overall I would give the MK808B 3.8 out of 5 stars and that’s only because of a few issues I’ve detailed in the Pros and Cons below. For the total package, you’d find it hard to make a better choice.

Company Product Information The MK808B is made in China by several different manufacturers and is distributed under a few brand names. Though there are clone products on the market, the original and latest model can be found from resellers who advertise the vendor name “Tronsmart”. In order to insure the authenticity of the product and the best quality and service you should always purchase a product like this from a name that you trust, such as Amazon.com. What’s in the Box • MK808B Android Mini PC 1.6ghz Dual Core Cortex-A9 Rockchip 3066 • User Guide • Power Adapter • USB Cable • HDMI Cable • OTG Adapter Cable Here’s a video I made to show you what comes in the package.