(2013-01-01, 23:25)RedXbmc Wrote: Hello everbody
Just like lazyguy I would like an honest opinion, preferrly by a pivos xios user, I'm also thinking in buying the pivos unit but I put if off for the following reason
1. I understand from this thread that in north american you can only buy the M3 version, is this the version •AMLogic 8726-M3 : Cortex-A9 @ 1000 Mhz with 1gb of ram or this version is only available to the UK
2. Will there ever be a stable xbmc version it seems pivos has to many issues with the beta version
3. Is there a fully funtional netflix app for what I read still doesn't work
Now for the big question I do like how small the pivos unit is compared to a htpc but em I better buying a cheap motherboard with external video card or should I be patient on pivos.
I only use my current htpc to view netflix, xbmc live tv, and the odd 1080p videos. So what do you guys think
Thanks
As I have one, I'll throw in my .02
1) The M3 is the current processor available. They ran out of M1 units, and no M1's are being bult for Pivos. If you order one today, unless you buy one from a reseller that has a very slow turn-over you'll get an M3.
(I had an M1, and due to failure I RMA'ed to Newegg, and received an M3. Visually, they are identical).
2) "Will there ever be a stable xbmc version ?" ... Seems like folks have been asking that since the XBOX days, right?
XBMC linux is still fairly new. Dropping that on a box like this is even newer. I've installed it on a non-primary system, and it works with my SMB NAS, and integrates with a MySQL DB. I have it hard-wired Ethernet, so I have to say that I am happy.
So far, there have been two Beta releases, and I hope that when Frodo goes final they will release another firmware. ("nightlies" are available, more or less, as well).
Personally, I feel that it works well enough that I will replace two other all-in-one windows 7 systems with this and get my hardware money back before they age any further.
However, for my main system, I will likely keep a full HTPC / Win7 system. I'm happy with the "extra" flexibility that provides me.
3) Netflix (by itself) usually needs Silverlight. I can tell you that Netflix through PlayOn works fine.
.
Now for your last question:
HTPC vs. Pivos Xios
It's not a size question, it's a price question:
A decent HTPC box (1080p, DTS-HD MA, etc) is $300. Maybe more, depending on your components.
I bought my Pivos for $85.00 (Black Friday) from Newegg. And it came with an HDMI cable, and an IR Remote. So it's a complete one-price purchase, with no hardware integration. (OK, I'll admit: I spent an extra $10.00 for a 16 GB mSD )
Now, add the size difference (it really is VERY small), and no-fan sounds from a PS, well... If you plan on it NOT being your primary system, it's a no-brainer.