Experiences: MK908 Android Stick PC and Geekbuying.com

[Dubes]

Good morning,

Please could I ask for experiences, or opinions, preferably the former, on the device and online retailer mentioned in the subject.

I had the power supply on my ACRyan blow in a power surge. Been searching for replacement (still awaiting the promised return call Esquire!) but in the interim have been considering other options.

One that has been appealing to me from the options I found was the use of an Android stick PC connected to my flat screen. After extensive reading I have been moved towards considering the Tronsmart MK908. Originally I considered the MK808 but then found the quad core upgrade. Most reviews are great but delving a little deeper online you see complaints about poor wifi, overheating, stuttering video etc.

Does anyone have experience with this device?
I will stream on occasion but my main use is a 2TB external HDD, with possibly a second, connected directly to the "media player". Any issues with this?

I would happily consider better options that are presented but please note that I can pick this up for $57 (+- R620) from Geekbuyer so keep this in mind when offering better options. Something would need to offer vastly more to consider paying a lot more.

I am also looking to get Rii Mini i8 keyboard/touchpad ($24). Any experience with this? I have considering some of the air mouse/keyboard options but I am leaning towards the touchpad for my personal preference. Should I reconsider?

And then finally, what about experiences ordering from Geekbuying.com? Any issues and problems? Reputable? And can I expect to be hit with customs taxes and VAT etc? Total order will be under $100 and apparently they mark it as a gift...

Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Dubes]

As an aside... I am due for a cellphone upgrade soon which will result in a Galaxy S3 sitting in a drawer. Any thoughts on using that as an "Android stick PC" or media player? Main issue I can forsee is not being able to successfully connect a 2TB external hard drive to the device. I know it can be connected to the TV with an HDMI/MHL adapter.

Is it feasible or just rather use a "stick PC"?

 

[Dubes]

I'm keen to pull the trigger on my order. No one here used Geekbuying.com?! Forget the questions about the stick just tell me about your experiences with Geekbuying.

 

[munky82]

What is the output volts and amps on that ACRyan power supply? Maybe you can replace it with a generic ac adapter.

 

[Dubes]

What is the output volts and amps on that ACRyan power supply? Maybe you can replace it with a generic ac adapter.

Yeah, that was an option I was considering. It was what I did with my blown laptop power supply. Need to get the AC Ryan sorted together with the XBOX, home theatre system and DVD player. Of course Eskom claims no responsibility, it was "cable theft".

The AC Ryan is 12V 2.0A. It does have a little "thing" along the wire towards the plug that goes into the media player. What purpose does that serve?