Android mini pc (MK802). Anyone got one ?

threedee

threedee

threedee

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At the moment i use my launch PS3 as an HTPC, however, since being reballed, and probably due to rubbish thermal grease it became very loud. Also i cant really justify 200w electricity eating machine anymore. And its on for long periods, so cost and noise starts to get to me.

So i decided to put in an android mini pc in its place, since apparently it can do pretty much all ps3 can (sans ps3 gaming that is, which is not essential at this point). It draws just a tiny fraction of power of what ps3 does AND its solid state and completely fanless/silent.

Anyone got one of these Allwinner A10 MK802 devices ? How are they ? Do you use touchpaded keyboard or a mouse ? If you have one is it 512mb or 1gb ? Is it fast enough compared to smartphones UI wise ?

I cant seem to find any comprehensive hands on, device is still new...

So, anyone ?

UPDATE 1: I have found a "workaround" for the problem - BOOT DEVICE UNPLUGGED FROM HDMI.

UPDATE 2: Aaaand overnight power supply/adapter died... mk802 is ok, but can only be powered via usb...Just, because 500mA is not enough to drive it...

UPDATE 3: Apparently "hdmi workaround" was a fluke. Cant be reproduced. Today, after replacing its original DC supply with my old HTC TP Pro charger (5v 2a mini usb end) tried to get some streaming done - cant reach speeds over 400-500kbps. Period...
 
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Well, spec wise rasp-pi is blown out of the water by mk802(256mb vs 1gb ram, about twice the cpu mhz-wise), and software is there. I've been playing all relevant files on my android phones for ages too...

I'm fishing for hands on experience and control options...
 
Orcvader said:
If you want Android as the OS, take a look at this: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/via-technologies-outs-49-apc-android-barebones/
Click to expand...

Again, its about half of mk802. Ports are fine, but processing power is way down there...

I'm getting mk802 on ebay, for 46 quid +5delivery. Not too bad...

Now i have to figure out how to control it. Been looking at things, mostly w-less keyboards with touchpads, bit it just doesnt do it for me as a remote control. So i came across something called Mele F10, which is sort of like air mouse, most likely driven by a gyro, plus a keyboard, plus a "normal" remote. All three in one... At a cost of about 20-25 quid... THE question now is will mk802 recognize it... Anyone own mele f10 ? Did w7 required special drivers for it to work, or is it just translated internally to a normal mouse+kbd operation ?

I'd like to get my hands on PXI Cotton Candy micro pc, but i most definitely not paying 200 dollars for one more core...
 
Well, the mk802 i just got is a biggest disappointment i had in recent times.
Device works more or less fine, albeit a tiny little bit laggy, except its absolutely and completely useless due to critical WiFi issues.

What i mean by this - it wont connect to anything at more than ~300-600kbps.
I have checked my network and everything is fine. I have three android devices that easily connect to my wifi at speeds of up to 8mbps (internet speed, lot lan. which is fine here). Changed channels, disabled all wireless devices in my house to test. No other interfering wifi networks nearby, i live in the sticks... Even changed encryption to wep, just to see... (should prolly try no encryption, but i doubt it will change things in any way...)

Been reading some sites that suggested that hdmi cable generates interference. In that case the rest of devices would have been jammed as well, which they weren't. What a load of ********...

Now i will have to deal with ebay returns to hongkong and i'm NOT HAPPY.

I am very seriously disapponted in this product. And apparently its not just me...

Gah...

If anyone have any ideas aas to what else i can try, please chip in...
 
I have found a "workaround" for the problem - BOOT DEVICE UNPLUGGED FROM HDMI. Then plug in video and do speedtest - result, about 4.5mbps, which is fairynuff for local streaming, which is what its intended to do...

So, there you go. i'd say this is something that could be fixed with a fw update, no ?

UPDATE: Aaaand overnight power supply/adapter died... mk802 is ok, but can only be powered via usb...Just, because 500mA is not enough to drive it...
 
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Update: Apparently "hdmi workaround" was a fluke. Cant be reproduced. Today, after replacing its original DC supply with my old HTC TP Pro charger (5v 2a mini usb end) tried to get some streaming done - cant reach speeds over 400-500kbps. Period...


Definitely sending it back. Not sure yet if for refund or replacement...
 
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