Would You Buy a $50 PC? - Comments Page 2

DMyles - those cheap androids are cheap for a reason. You get what you pay for. If you compare a $50 or $80 Android tablet to a $600 iPad, it doesn't stack up very well. If you compare a $400 Android tablet to a $600 iPad, the android looks really good. Also, you are not complaining about the OS, you are complaining about the interface, which is not the same on low end tablets as the high end (or even mid range) stuff. Most phones and tablets have a proprietary interfaces. Android, like Linux, is easy to replace the entire interface, if you don't like what came with your device.

Bob, I bought one of these a few months ago from Geekbuying.com, hooked up a wireless keyboard and mouse and it works great. To expand, all you need is a usb expansion to plug in since it has only one usb port. Best to use a powered usb. (supplied with mine) Netflix, You Tube, xbmc work fine. Hulu isn't available for android yet. The kids love it. Another great way to avoid cable bills.

The way I loose things and sometimes cannot find them, I would not want that to happen with a computer.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can use a wireless keyboard and mouse (most convenient option), but some have USB ports where you can plug in the mouse and/or keyboard.

Yes, but even a "wireless" mouse or keyboard has a USB reciever that needs to plug into the PC. Does it have this, or will the usb port on the tv work with it this way?

My HDTV does not have USB, but my Blu-Ray player does. Does it work if I connect it to my Blu-Ray player ?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Your TV needs an HDMI port to connect the Mini-PC, not USB.

Bob, I am very excited about this min-PC, which give me an excellent alternative to XP by the time I'm forced not to be able to use XP anymore. It appears to be a cost-effect way to learn to migrate to Android/Linux.

I have recently bought a low-cost 9" table, which unfortunately does not come with Google Play to access apps online. (I was told that it costs so much less because the tablet manufacture does not wish to pay license fee to Google Play). I have come to my wit's ends to install Google Play from 3rd parties without success. Does this mini-PC have the same limitations? Are there better ways to get applications online for this min-PC other than Google Play?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The MK802 that I mentioned does support Google Play. Pretty sure the others do too.

Intriguing ... very intriguing!!! Especially, the Media Center that can provide Netflix, Hulu and Youtube, on your big HDTV.

One issue, that I don't see addressed ... Parent Controls. However, I do know that there are Parent Controls in the Apps section, on Google Play. Still, since this article mentions Kids, I just wished you had mentioned what and where to look for Parent Control protection, should you have Kids in the home.

However, for Hubby and me, well for me, anyways ... Sounds really interesting and I will be looking into it. Thanks Bob!!!

I have had 2 of them for a couple yrs now on 2 of my HDTVs.They work excellent.The early one didnt recognize bluetooth so i got a later one with bluetooth.1 in livingroom 1 in bedroom,awsome.Im typing this msg from it right now on a Rii mini wireless KB.When i bought them 1 was 38$ the other 42$. from Amaozon.

I finally got mine and hooked it up today (very simple) and entered my router access password and have been checking out the features. Very nice so far and good YouTube video on my 1080p TV.
With a $20 keyboard and mouse it is fine for the basics.
It's no hot rod but certainly does the jobs.

Hey, good article, I would think about getting one of those since my eyes are getting worse and having the articles and stuff on a larger screen would be easier to see. Older is not generally better all the time.