Don 't want to make the mistake of picking the wrong unit for streaming video on my TV (HDMI por...

[G+_Rud Dog]

Don't want to make the mistake of picking the wrong unit for streaming video on my TV (HDMI port)via web browser as in Comcast's web browser movies. If anyone can give me a thumbs up on any one of these would appreciate it.

 

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2911098/computers/mini-pc-invasion-10-radically-tiny-computers-that-fit-in-the-palm-of-your-hand.html#slide1

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2911098/computers/mini-pc-invasion-10-radically-tiny-computers-that-fit-in-the-palm-of-your-hand.html#slide1

[G+_Jason Perry]

Will it be doing any transcoding?

[G+_Peter Hanse]

I have used the Lenovo stick same design as intel stick works well for CNC machine control and web surfing including watching you tube. We added large SD and directed windows to use for documents movies and music. Needs USB power grater then typical port so use external power supply sent with unit. Also Bluetooth makes wifi unreliable so for keyboard and mouse use wired or dongle style. Only one USB port so simple hub is nice if you need more then mouse and keyboard.

 

bestbuy.com - Lenovo - IdeaCentre Stick 300 - Intel Atom - 2GB Memory - 32GB Solid State Drive - Black

 

Good mouse and keyboard http://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-k400-plus-wireless-keyboard-black/7575039.p?skuId=7575039

[G+_Jeff Gros]

I second the Intel Compute Stick. I've been using it to watch youtube, netflix, etc. with no issues. I've also set up one at work in the conference room. It acts as an easy way to show presentations on the outrageously large and cheap TVs you can by these days. The best part is that any program you can install on a windows machine, and doesn't need outrageous horsepower, this machine can run it.

 

My only caveat for the ICS is to make sure that you get the latest windows 10 model. I bought the original, and it had some issues. Eventually it bricked and Intel replaced it with the newer model. The issues have been pretty much ironed out now though, so no worries.

 

I cannot wait for the USB 3.0 version to come out! :)

[G+_Pat Hacker]

Bump

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry what this will replace is the laptop I borrow from my son to watch movies off of Netflix, Comcast, Amazon Prime and stuff off of YouTube. Not sure when trans-coding comes into play so can't be sure if I will need it?

Can't see buying a laptop for this purpose which led me shopping for the perfect small noiseless unit.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Peter Hanse You hit on one area I assumed would be a no brainier, the keyboard and mouse. Would like to use. instead of the keyboard and mouse, some sort of small hand control, something like the flip phone keyboards. Also not having to pair them every time I use them would be nice. Assuming buy something like I describe with Dongle would overcome this problem?

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jeff Gros have you any information on when the 3.0 might come out seems silly buy one now only to drool over the next gen.

Also if anyone knows is there a keyboard or controller which allows the powering up of the unit in question or are these powered up at all times?

[G+_Jason Perry]

Pretty sure all the options you pointed out take care of the transcoding for you. I ran I to the issue that my home movies that I have on my NAS need a beefier option to watch them on my TV.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry So any videos located on your NAS require the unit echoing to the screen for viewing needs the ability to process the video? Is this a matter of CPU or GPU or both?

I ask in order to cover all bases.

[G+_Jason Perry]

I am no expert, I just through more CPU at it. I have been thinking about the Nvidia Shield to use as a more elegant solution. It is definitely overkill and a waste of money if you are streaming from online services.

[G+_Jeff Gros]

It turns out that there are a few new lines of ICS is already out! I had no idea. Just search amazon for "intel compute stick USB 3.0". This search term will also keep you away from the "1st generation windows 8.1" that you want to avoid.

 

There are some newer, more expensive versions with the Intel m3 core, but the $100 models with the Atom processor are probably just fine for just watching TV.

 

I would recommend against a "remote". Ever try typing in a youtube address on your roku? It's an exercise in frustration. This was actually what pushed me into getting the ICS. The roku was unbearable.

 

Get a wireless keyboard instead. I've got this model, but there is a newer version available.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DKZTMG/ref=twister_B00FIYEBK8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

It's small and compact and fits cozily on my magazine rack in my living room.

 

I would also recommend a USB hub with ethernet. You're going to run out of USB slots pretty fast, and wired ethernet is way more reliable then wireless.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Gigabit-Ethernet-Converter-Support/dp/B014ZOJX7W/ref=pd_sim_147_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B014ZOJX7W&pd_rd_r=BTR8JVNZ6T3M56FCDC2C&pd_rd_w=vALkc&pd_rd_wg=Rhdxx&psc=1&refRID=BTR8JVNZ6T3M56FCDC2C

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jeff Gros While watching other videos for other reasons noticed "Solo Man" was using what looked like a controller with smaller keyboard now I don't know what this unit is but that is something that might work. Just have to find it will have to ask solo man what that was and how it communicates with his unit.

 

https://youtu.be/fGK1d8g3SMU

[G+_Jeff Gros]

I spend the majority of my day in front of a keyboard whether at work or at home. i would definitely be unhappy with a keyboard I cannot type on.

 

The remote with small keyboard might work for people who don't type fast. They might not be bothered by having to hen peck the thing.

 

Or perhaps if you have kids that spend all day texting. They also would have no issues...

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jeff Gros Agreed.

[G+_Golden Retriever]

I like Jason's Nvidia Shield idea, to hell with typing you can use your voice with that.

Also you have the graphics processing power of a console and yet it's $200.00 sure that's a bit pricey but it's still one hell of a lot of value

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry my apologies missed the fact the "Nvidia Shield" was hardware. Like the idea it has voice recognition as pointed out by Tod Sage. Can you surf the web using this unit?

[G+_Jason Perry]

It runs android so if you can't I would be really surprised. Never really thought of that.

[G+_Rud Dog]

If anyone can confirm if this can surf the web it is a no brainier and something I would be interested in adding to my video viewing-fest collection.

[G+_Rud Dog]

Waiting to finish my research on the nvidia approach meanwhile found the info on the handheld type keyboard and mouse.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-Touchpad-Raspberry/dp/B00Z81U3YY

[G+_Ken H]

I can vouch for this remote

 

Aerb 2.4G Mini Wireless Keyboard Mouse Multifunctional W Infrared Remote Learning, 3-Gyro and 3-Gsensor, Air Control for Windows iOS MAC amazon.com - Amazon.com: Aerb 2.4G Mini Wireless Keyboard Mouse Multifunctional W Infrared Remote Learning, 3-Gyro and 3-Gsensor, Air Control for Windows iOS MAC: Computers & Accessories

[G+_Jason Perry]

Ken H?, does it make me old that I like a remote styled remote over a game controller styled remote?

[G+_Ken H]

Jason Perry? no it just makes you classic

[G+_Golden Retriever]

Grin

[G+_Rud Dog]

Jason Perry Also referred to as old school.