You want to set up a media player in your living room but you're afraid that it will cost a fortune? Then this post is for you. One of the good things about cordcutting is the fact that it can adapt to your budget. Proof of this is the Zeki TAB803B Android media player. In this Zeki TAB803B review we take a look at a very inexpensive device. Inexpensive, however, does not mean bad, at least in this case. A competitive, albeit modest performance, make this device a good option if you're just starting in the world of cordcutting. There are other options you could consider, though, if you want cheap devices, such as these 5 best Android media sticks. What are the good things in this Zeki TAB803B review, besides the price? Let's have a look. [Read: Quick Lenovo Ideacentre 300 review: a PC in your hand]
The first thing that comes into play is the shape of the device. In this Zeki TAB803B review we noticed a daring shape. It is different to the common boxes, with rounded edges and minimal interface buttons. A power button crowns the device, and a SD card slot marks its front. Connectivity is not the best for these kind of devices, but it's not bad either. You might not need to get a wireless HTPC keyboard to go with this device, because a remote is included. This remote is, of course, not a specialized one like the Lynec C120 air mouse, but still gets the job done. Even better, it includes a keyboard, so you can perform searches better while using addons on your Kodi for Android installation.
Best Wireless HTPC and Android TV Box Keyboards:
- Logitech K410 Living-Room Wireless Keyboard with Built-In Touchpad - $37.75
- Logitech Illuminated K830 HTPC Wireless Keyboard and Touchpad - $69.99
- iPazzPort KP-810-10AS Wireless Mini Keyboard Remote with Touch - $15.99
- Rii i8+ 2.4GHz Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad - $22
- LYNEC C120Pro Mini Wireless Gyro Remote Keyboard Mouse - $13
Zeki TAB803B Review: not for the faint hearted
Having a device that's cheaper than most implies, sometimes, that sacrifices must be made. In the Zeki TAB803B specs list we can attest to this. The Android version is 4.0.4, or Ice Cream Sandwich. This is an old version, and of course, might give you trouble with some apps. However, there are other specs and points that make up for this device, and make the option of setting a Zeki TAB803B Kodi media center something to consider.
Zeki TAB803B specs list
- Android OS 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich
- Built-in 1GB RAM
- 4GB installed flash memory
- Expandable memory
- Video: MOV, MKV, AVI, RM, RMVB, FLV, WMV, MP4, VOB
- Audio: MP3, WMA (non-DRM), WAV
- Photos: JPEG, BMP, PNG
- eBooks: PDF, EPUB
- HDMI output (1080p)
- Micro-SD memory card reader: supports JPEG, MP3
- 2 USB ports
- 3.5mm audio/video output
- Ethernet port
- HDMI cable
- 2-in-1 remote control
As you can see, this box is capable of outputting 1080p video, although some users report performance difficulties with 720p. With only 1GB RAM memory and 4GB flash memory, it is wise to say that this device will not be breaking any performance records, but that's understandable, since in our Zeki TAB803B review, this device already has broken some records with its low price.
Zeki TAB803B Review: Do you recommend this device?
Setting up a Zeki TAB803B Kodi media center might not be the best use for this device. Its outdated OS and limited specs might make it suitable for lighter tasks, such as web browsing or document reading on your big screen. Nevertheless, the addition of an air mouse with keyboard, its insanely low price, and the respectable Zeki TAB803B specs and connectivity options, make this device a great option to start in the cordcutting world for a very, very low price. Want amazing performance? Consider getting an NVIDIA SHIELD TV instead, or one of these best Android media players for less than $100. There are lots of hardware options to build your media center!