Intel® NUC Kit D34010WYK

[craigt3365]

This seems like a great alternative to something like WD media player or a full blown media PC. What do you guys think? A bit expensive, probably $400 full kitted out, but seems impressive:

Built with a 4th generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor, integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4400, and 8-channel audio, the Intel® NUC gives you the power to create a media center PC that lets you fully experience Hulu*, iTunes*, Netflix*, Pandora*, and other online entertainment content—and enjoy it all in crisp HD. The D34010WYK SKU of Intel NUC is equipped with Intel® Rapid Start Technology, ensuring you are quickly up and running, and Intel® Smart Connect Technology to keep you up to date at all times.

This new generation Intel NUC packs more features into an even slimmer form factor. What’s more, the sleek, small Intel NUC has a stereo/microphone jack and USB 3.0 for easy home theater connections and gaming requirements. Or, use it as a home office PC. The Intel NUC is small enough to unclutter your office, yet powerful enough to run the most demanding applications. The Intel NUC: as small as a desktop speaker, as powerful as a sonic boom.

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/nuc/nuc-kit-d34010wyk.html

[IMHO]

By the time you've added RAM, a HDD and wireless it doesn't seem like it'd end up much cheaper than a Mac Mini?

[craigt3365]

By the time you've added RAM, a HDD and wireless it doesn't seem like it'd end up much cheaper than a Mac Mini?

I was looking at it as a network device, using the HDD in my desktop and plugged into the TV????

[IMHO]

By the time you've added RAM, a HDD and wireless it doesn't seem like it'd end up much cheaper than a Mac Mini?

I was looking at it as a network device, using the HDD in my desktop and plugged into the TV????

From what I read it' just a small form factor x86 machine - so would need a HDD, RAM and an OS installed before it would do anything?

The base model Mac Mini costs 20K Baht, has 500GB HDD, 4GB RAM, Wifi, 1gbps ethernet (which you'll want if streaming HD), HDMI out, 4x USB3.0 ports, and includes licensed OSX Mavericks - all you need to do is install XBMC and buy a remote, and you're up and running with an "it just works" system

Edit: .....that craps all over even the top model WDTV

[astral]

I am very happy with my Minix Neo 7

The NEO X7 is MINIX's flagship Android Media Hub. Since its release in July 2013, the NEO X7

has become one of the most popular Android Media Hubs, and widely acclaimed to be the best on the market.

The NEO X7 is based on a Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with Quad-Core Mali-400 GPU and the latest Android 4.2.2 OS

Android technology, not Windows

Lots of free, or minimally priced sw to enhance the experience, if you need to,

and at $130 quite a bit cheaper

Just plug in a usb hard disk and you have a full blown computer,

little bigger than a packet of cigarettes

Specification

Processor Quad-Core Cortex A9 Processor (1.6GHz) GPU Quad-Core Mali 400 Memory 2GB DDR3 Internal Storage 16GB NAND Flash Wireless Connectivity 802.11 b/g/n Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz / 5.0GHz), USB 3G dongle support (not included) OS Android™ Jelly Bean 4.2.2 Video Output HDMI™ 1.4a, Full HD 1080p Audio Output HDMI™ 1.4a two channels Peripheral Interface RJ-45 Ethernet jack (10/100Mbps) SD/MMC card reader (SD 3.0, MMC V4.41) USB 2.0 HOST port x 3, Micro-USB OTG port x 1 Headphone Jack, Microphone Jack IR receiver (built-in, remote included) Antenna

[craigt3365]

Very nice. I'll do some research on this!!!!

[JSixpack]

Very nice. I'll do some research on this!!!!

Does look nice. Something to keep in mind for whenever my WDTVLive bites the dust.

[DogNo1]

The Neo X7 looks nice. I considered one but ended up getting a Mini PC for Android for 1,600 THB. It has a dual core Cortex A9 but I'm not sure of the graphic chip (I'm guessing a dual core Mali 400.) It has a standard USB slot which I use for the wireless adapter for my wireless keyboard and mouse combo. With the updated version of YouTube, it streams (via HDMI) a very clear picture at 720P and never stutters. It's about the size of two packs of gum and is powered by a standard USB charger (2A) attached by a mini USB cable. I had been inclined to buy a quad core model but find that this one is perfectly adequate. It's fast and runs Android 4.2. Its weakness is that it can only play recorded media through its micro SD slot. It will accept a 64 GB micro SD card. I am amazed that this cheap solution works so well!

[DogNo1]

Also, although I've not tried this out, it has built-in Bluetooth so it might be possible to use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo and use the USB socket to connect a portable hard drive but the drive would need more power than it could draw from the Mini PC. Connecting a powered USB hub to the Mini PC and then connecting the drive to the hub might be the way to go.

[astral]

The Neo X7 basic remote is crap

If you are buying make sure you get the A2 remote as part of the package

Front

Back

It is remote, keyboard and phone, when used with Skype etc

Now I must admit the Neo X7 is not for everyone

It is a computer and you need to understand how to navigate to reach the films

and run them

However for the little lady, you can install firmware to make it boot straight to the video app

I am playing around with various ROM's to see what the box can do

PS I have terabytes of video on hard disk so the usb access is essential.

[MilesofSmiles]

I am very happy with my Minix Neo 7

<snip>

Are these easy enough to find around BKK, or am I better off ordering one online ?

[astral]

Sorry no idea

I bought mine on line from AliExpress

[muratremix]

Any android media player will not please hifi system owners. They can not do 24p and have frame rate issues (especially on rk3188 cpu models).

[DogNo1]

The Neo X7 is available on the second (actually 3rd by American counting) floor of Phantip on Phetburi Road. The shop is on the lefthand side of the second corridor from the right. I think it is called "PC Supplies.". They have several other models there. On the ground floor, also on the left side of the second corridor from the right is a shop that sells purely Roman letter wireless keyboards. They're original LOGITECH and rather expensive but nicely designed and work with mini PCs like the New X7.

[astral]

Stutter issues (frame rate) on 1080 video can be cured when using a Samsung TV by

turning off the 100Hz Motion Plus option