$37 - Android 4.0 Mini PC Stick MK802 1GB @ Amazon (Prime Eligible)

I confused, more and more products have the same functions.

if it drops to $20 single core (or $35 dual core) - i'll bite

gonna check out the quad cores @ CES!

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edit: @ the antenna hack to increase wifi range -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer...isremote=0

mk802 III(Dual Core) Though it is $67 in comparison(I think it's worth it)

With Rockchip RK3066 Dual Core CPU and Quad Core GPU

http://www.amazon.com/Rikomagic-A...pd_sim_e_4

How does this compare to the iMito MX1?
http://www.amazon.com/iMito-MX1-B...N7X5A3D4SH
It has Bluetooth, dual core CPU and metal casing
Although almost double the price from OP's device, it seems more future proof.
I'm thinking of getting one of these to replace the Roku...

How about input device, do you use bt keyboard/mouse for it?

Quote from phichow : can I run androind apps

Absolutely. You can torrent, browse the web, run Android apps, android games, android video players, email, web cams, hook it up to USB hard drives, thumb drives, wired ethernet. This can do most anything one of the more inexpensive Android tablets can do, and in some cases, quite a bit more.

Someone asked if it will turn off when you turn your TV off? No, not unless you're powering it through your TV's USB port. If plugged into a USB charger, it will stay on until you either turn it off or unplug it. Though I do power mine through my TV's USB port since I only use it when the TV is on. For playing video, I've found MX player to be the best player on the MK802 ii version of this device. It does 1080p hardware accelerated video.

Just definitely get the MK802 ii version, it's only a dollar or two more and it is sooooo much better.

Look for the quad core I.MX6 sticks to be announced at CES in a few days (Jan 8-11). Should cost under $85, perhaps as low as $50ish.

Quote from xlxllxlx : How about input device, do you use bt keyboard/mouse for it?

Yes. You pretty much need some sort of remote or keyboard/mouse to go with one of these. The good part is that it will work with just about any USB mouse/keyboard, wired or unwired. 2.4 gzh wireless keyboard / mouse dongles work well, though it does not currently seem to support keyboards that require bluetooth dongles.

A lot of folks like to use RC12 Air Mouse remotes.http://www.amazon.com/Brand-Wirel...B00A49UPUC

I prefer the Lenovo N5902 backlit remote (often discounted to $35 at Lenovo). http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Enha...B005L2NTTQ

Others use full sized keyboards and mice, still others use a couch mouse, some like the tiny, cheap wireless keyboard / trackpads like this: http://www.amazon.com/Multi-langu...B004KOBCWM

Some just use their Android phone to mirror the screen of this device, or use a dedicated remote control app on their phone that provides all the necessary buttons.

CyanogenMod 10 is currently being developed for the ii version of this device, that should deliver compatibility with bluetooth dongles..
http://www.rikomagic.co.uk/forum/...f=6&t=3639

Quote from saidiadude : Look for the quad core I.MX6 sticks to be announced at CES in a few days (Jan 8-11). Should cost under $85, perhaps as low as $50ish.

They probably won't be down to $50 that quickly. Even if they are, a large install base often means more than a little more processor speed. The more folks that have any given model of one of these devices, the more likely there will be firmware updates for it. Quite a few of these devices are already orphan devices. Even though they've only been out a short while, they're already abandoned by their manufacturers and developers.

Fortunately, the MK802 and MK802 ii are very similar under the hood (thought the 3rd version of this device, the dual-core MK802 iii does not share most of these similarities). The ii version just fixes most of the problems in the initial model. This means there's a large install base of users and even some independent developers. The MK802 is also very similar to a device marketed under the Uhost name brand. So similar that their device ROMs are interchangeable.

Quad-core may not be much fun if it overheats and there's no developer support. If you really want a quad-core device, wait a bit to see which of the quad-core devices piques the interest of the developer community and doesn't have serious hardware issues. That probably won't be sorted for a few months. Better to have fun with a fully functional $35 stick today, than wait 4 months for a possibly better model that's twice as expensive.

The main advantage of quad-core on Android right now is high end 3d gaming. That makes sense for a portable tablet or high-end phone, though not so much for an stick that is going to be used at home. There are so many better ways to play high end 3d games at home.

As for graphics, the hardware accelerated video on the single core MK802 ii can easily handle the highest bitrate 1080p videos I've thrown at it. It's also played any of the 2d games I've installed and runs most everything else. No, it's not the smoothest Android experience I've ever had. It doesn't move from screen to screen nearly as fast as say a Galaxy Note 2, but the Note 2 costs 15 to 20 times the price of this stick. For playing the highest definition video I have, the ii version of this is more than good enough.

Seems cool, was about to buy one but then I realized I don't need one. I usually just plug my computer into my TV. For those that can't do that or don't want to run a wire or whatever reason you might have this seems like a descent alternative.

I wonder if any of these android-on-a-stick has the ability to add webcam. Kinda common sense since alot of people want to video chat on the big screen. I been wanting to replace the HTPC with a simpler solution but the lack of a webcam holding me back from taking the plunge.

Quote from purpleduck : I wonder if any of these android-on-a-stick has the ability to add webcam. Kinda common sense since alot of people want to video chat on the big screen. I been wanting to replace the HTPC with a simpler solution but the lack of a webcam holding me back from taking the plunge.

They can, see here: http://www.squidoo.com/mk802-skype-usb-webcam

to help further the discussion, are there cheap/easy ways to add bluetooth support through a simple BT dongle?

The only disappointing thing about these is that the makers of these sticks don't realize how many more they would sell if they helped the XBMC development on these sticks.