Quick MK808B Plus review: small and inexpensive HTPC

Small HTPC devices like the one we analyze in this MK808B Plus review, are really convenient because you can plug them into any TV set and instantly give it HTPC features. In particular, in this article we analyze a device that's in a middle ground between an Android TV stick, such as the CX-919 Android stick; and a fully featured Android device like these Android media streamers below $100, or several others like the Tronfy MXQ. [Read: NVIDIA SHIELD TV: An amazing option for your media center]

Don't get me wrong, though. The MK808B Plus is not really an Android TV stick. As such, it is not limited to only one port so, despite its small size, you still can connect peripherals to it. This is particularly important if you are interested in performing searches within your HTPC apps, since you can hook a wireless HTPC keyboard to this Android video player, thus enhancing its features. But, how great is its performance? Is it worth buying, despite of its very small size? Well, that's what we will try to uncover in this MK808B Plus review.

Best Wireless HTPC and Android TV Box Keyboards:

1. Logitech K410 Living-Room Wireless Keyboard with Built-In Touchpad - $37.75
2. Logitech Illuminated K830 HTPC Wireless Keyboard and Touchpad - $69.99
3. iPazzPort KP-810-10AS Wireless Mini Keyboard Remote with Touch - $15.99
4. Rii i8+ 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad - $22
5. LYNEC C120Pro Mini Wireless Gyro Remote Keyboard Mouse - $13

MK808B Plus review: small profile, four cores

A Quad-Core device beneath its small surface, like the one we analyze in this MK808B Plus review, is something that makes us wonder about how far has technology come these days. With its 1 GB RAM and a Quad-Core GPU to match, you will be able to enjoy 1080p content with no lagging or stuttering. Connectivity is somewhat complicated; because this device uses miniUSB ports, instead of microUSB ports, that have become somewhat of a standard within the industry. However, this could still be a strong candidate to be labeled as the "Best Android media player" for some people, just because of the things it offers, when compared with its price tag. Let's take a look at its hardware and technical specifications:

MK808B Plus review: technical specifications

• OS: Android 4.4
• Multi-language
• CPU: Amlogic M805 Quad-Core 1.5G (Cortex-A5)
• GPU: Quad-Core Mali-450
• RAM: DDR3 1G
• ROM: Onboard Flash,8G
• Expand Memory: Micro SD Card(Maximum support 32GB)
• Antenna: Intenna WiFi
• WIFI 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth BT 4.0
• Video format: multiple video decoding, Hardware decoder H.265
• Picture format: JPEG/ BMP/ GIF/ PNG/TIF
• 1*Update Button(via one pin hole)
• 1* Standard USB(HOST)
• 1*Mini USB with OTG
• 1*Mini HDMI out 1.4b
• 1*TF card slot
• 1*HDMI Cable
• 1*USB Cable
• 1*OTG Cable
• 1*User Manual
• 1*Power Adapter, 5V,1.5,2A Max

As you can see, despite its small size, the MK808B Plus Android TV stick comes with loads of features and characteristics that will enable it to offer a decent entry-level HTPC experience. In our MK808B Plus review, we noticed that this device comes with Kodi for Android preinstalled, so you just need to download a good addon and you will have access to tons of movies and content right away. [Read: Guide: How to install Genesis addon on Kodi?]

MK808B Plus review: do you recommend this device?

In this MK808B Plus review, we have seen that this device is a bargain -there is no other way to accurately describe it-; for less than 40 bucks, you can have a fully functional HTPC in your living room, and in a fraction of the space as well. There are cons to this device as well, of course, such as its poor choice of ports -microUSB would have been way better, although it still boasts a standard USB port, which I feel is not enough-, or the fact that it never turns off, but instead goes into a screensaver mode when not in use -which consumes power-. However, given its small size and price tag, these are flaws that could surely be overlooked if you are searching for an affordable and satisfying entry-level HTPC experience.