Either will generally do the job, but they have their pitfalls.
Watching video from a USB driving being one.
If you can afford something more, then I'd go for a mini PC.
As for programming, XBMC is the same whatever platform you run it on.
Although due to their low performance, the android boxes have a tendency to crash more easily.
If you're just looking to test XBMC and get to know it, I recommend playing with it on a PC or laptop to begin with.
Don't get the second one, as that uses an Allwinner A20 SoC (System on a Chip), and XBMC doesn't currently play HD movies smoothly on an A20.
Thank you for your input. Whats the difference between the tv boxes and the dongles? This is all so confusing to someone who has little knowledge in this field.
Normally, just what ports it has room for. I would get a box so you have the option of wired ethernet, in case the wifi isn't good enough (happens more often than not).
so one last question. the 4.0 / 4.1 / 4.2 are just the os versions correct?
To be honest my raspberry pi runs better than my android box for HD content.
The best amlogic (certain android boxes) code is in the current gotham nightlies, but it stutters on certain files. Also, it would be nice if this code was back ported to 12.3 as some addons which I use do not work in gotham.
I know davilla (one the devs) has done an execllent job with the android port. But it's going to take a while for the addon devs to port their code to gotham.
I bought a xstreamtec mx linux box from amazon and that plays everything I have thrown at it.
It does crash very occasionally, usually when I have it doing lots of things.
Best advice is to get it setup on a PC first and see if you like XBMC before you buy. It's not as simpe and plug and play.
I am streaming my media from my laptop to my mx box without any issue currently wired, but tested it from the 3rd floor of my house to the kitchen using wireless and again is was flawless streaming music whilst watching a photo slideshow.