[wrxtasy]

So, keeping it under $100, and somewhat ease of use for now, is the nexus the way to go? I recall another cheaper hardware that ran amlogic 805 (?) mentioned but heads spinning after all the reading I've done, any other suggestions, input , etc? Also, have netflix on my Xbox one/vizio smart(dumb) tv that my gf uses, so Netflix, Hulu, etc aren't of concern

Also, I stumbled upon this while posting this, it doesn't say NOOBS is preloaded with those bad add ons, but thoughts in this package? If it's bad, let me know mods I'll edit post. http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-...y+pi&psc=1

The fastest way to run Kodi on cheap low powered ARM devices, is using OpenELEC(or OSMC on the RPI2). This is recommended because you will be running a very slimmed down version of Linux to run Kodi. Once setup is pretty much maintenance free and runs with fewer problems the using Kodi on Android.

In the $100 price range there are only two devices that I would recommend to run OpenELEC with minimal fuss. Those being the RPi2, which you have already found and the AMLogic S805 - ODROID C1+ which I compile images for.

A good RPi - Newb rundown of OpenELEC and another OS that runs Kodi - OSMC is found here:
http://mymediaexperience.com/raspberry-p...h-raspbmc/

If you are going down that route, first questions to be asked are:
Do you have a HDMI CEC compatible TV, and what brand is it ?
http://www.howtogeek.com/207186/how-to-e...ou-should/

Will you be using Ethernet or WiFi ?

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Your post is somewhat confusing, if you want a Plug N Play Box with minimal fuss then yes the Google Nexus Player is recommended over the FireTV. There have been some bargains from Target stores with this Nexus box recently too.