Mini Computers (HTPC) - options?

[Dolby]

I see there are more and more out there which is great.

Do you guys have a preference?

Lenovo Q190 - http://www.takealot.com/lenovo-ideacentre-q190-intel-core-i3-compact-desktop-pc/PLID40640650 R5,479.00 and i3 processor. I like the additional SPDIF too

Acer Revo One http://www.takealot.com/acer-revo-one-windows-pc-media-player/PLID40362316 R3,999.00 and Celeron 1.4ghz. Funky look and holds 2 x 2." inside

Intel NUC http://www.takealot.com/intel-nuc-kit-dn2820fykh-mini-pc/PLID34147983 R5,639.00 Celeron 2.13ghz - a little boxy and not the most attractive

Asus Vivo http://www.takealot.com/asus-vm42-s093v-vivo-pc-vm/PLID40729884 R4,999.00 Also a decent looking machine and takes 2 x 2.5" - and SPDIF

Alienware http://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/games-consoles/alienware-alpha-1214393/review Around R10,000 or so

I've seen a few Mecers as well - but thinking the Lenovo is the best option?

 

[LCBXX]

There is a special on a plethora of Windows mini-PC's on Geekbuying:
http://www.geekbuying.com/category/Windows-Mini-PCs-1655/

I bought the Tronsmart Ara X5 and it came to just under R1800, delivered with TNT Couriers and $2 insurance. Ordered 30 November 2015 and had it in my hands 2 December 2015.

If you want a NUC type Mini-PC, go for the Tronsmart BJ19.

Lots here too:
http://www.laptopdirect.co.za/Miniature-PCs-c-790.php

 

[BradleyKZN]

Are you just going to be using it for watching media?

 

[Dolby]

Yea.

I just want something with a little more oomph and most importantly, look good. An SPDIF as great as well

 

[LCBXX]

Yea.

I just want something with a little more oomph and most importantly, look good. An SPDIF as great as well

I wanted SPDIF too but could not get anything that had such a port at the moment for around R2000. I found this on AV Supply for R600 (delivered) and bought one:
http://avsupply.co.za/product_info.php/hdmi-audio-extractor-p-676

Minix is reportedly releasing a new Windows 10 based TV-Box that will feature SPDIF and Displayport, featuring Intel's N3150 and N3700:

 

[ozziej]

Raspberry Pi2?
Under R1000 with a case and PSU. Kodi runs well on it.

 

[Dolby]

Don't think that Minix supports Kodi?

Raspberry doesn't have oomph for all the skins to run 100% smooth. Plus, I have no idea how to work Ubuntu, so mounting / removing / anything becomes a mission for me unless I have Windows

 

[dualmeister]

I bought the Tronsmart Ara X5 and it came to just under R1800, delivered with TNT Couriers and $2 insurance. Ordered 30 November 2015 and had it in my hands 2 December 2015.

That means you paid about $124 (about R2160) Inc Shipping? But, they listed from $149.00
Am I missing something?

 

[LCBXX]

Don't think that Minix supports Kodi?

Raspberry doesn't have oomph for all the skins to run 100% smooth. Plus, I have no idea how to work Ubuntu, so mounting / removing / anything becomes a mission for me unless I have Windows

It will run Windows 10, it would. My Ara X5 has it installed and running too. I also have both a Minix Neo X7 and X8-H (replaced with the Ara X5) that both run Kodi 15.2 installed from the Play Store.

 

[LCBXX]

That means you paid about $124 (about R2160) Inc Shipping? But, they listed from $149.00
Am I missing something?

The Ara X5 was on special for $119

 

[dualmeister]

The Ara X5 was on special for $119

Was.

So not R1800 anymore then

 

[LCBXX]

Was.

So not R1800 anymore then

There Pipo X7 is still there for even less. Same CPU and RAM.

 

[dualmeister]

There Pipo X7 is still there for even less. Same CPU and RAM.

Nice. I still like the Intel NUC's due to their versatility. One day

 

[sand_man]

Don't think that Minix supports Kodi?

They do.

http://carbonite.co.za/f13/minix-z64w-112817/

I've got a Minix Z64W for you, for R1800 including Neo Lite 2 IR remote control. Unit's 2 months old but was barely used for 1 before I replaced with an almost new Lenova M73 Thinkcentre.

The Lenova looks pretty s hit but with i5, 8gb of ram and 256gb ssd it packs the punch I want from my HTPC... All in it cost me R4500...

 

[LCBXX]

Nice. I still like the Intel NUC's due to their versatility. One day

Give the Tronsmart BJ19 a look. Essentially a NUC for $90 in all but name and you can upgrade/customise it just as much within the limitations of the motherboard.