The Tronsmart MK908 is a small box with a few USB ports, a quad-core processor, and HDMI output. You can plug it into a TV to run Android apps on the big screen. There are a lot of devices on the market like the MK908, but it’s one of the fastest, most reliable devices of its type that I’ve tested in the past year.
Now there’s a new model which features an external antenna which should offer better WiFi performance.
The MK908 II is available from several sellers at AliExpress, with prices starting at $75. GeekBuying also sells it for $69.
Like the original, the new MK908 II features a Rockchip RK3188 ARM Cortex-A9 quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 8GB of built-in storage, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, and a microSD card slot. It has 2 microUSB ports, 1 full-sized USB port, and an HDMI port.
The biggest difference between the new model and the original is the adjustable WiFi antenna. Personally I didn’t have any problems connecting the original MK908 to my home WiFi network, but these tiny Android TV sticks are notorious for flaky WiFi performance. So in general I’m a fan of any changes designed to improve WiFi reception.
You’ll have to pay a bit extra for a model with that antenna though — first generation MK908 devices now sell for as little as $60.
via AndroidPC.es
This one is $69 at Geekbuying.
Other than the gender of the HDMI jack, what’s the difference between the Tronsmart MK908 II and the Tronsmart CX-919? Looks like it’s the exact same hardware, just in a different case.
The price at Geekbuying for it is certainly a good one, but the antenna design just looks like being attached to it in a fugly way.
The (Podoor) T518 on the other hand has a much nicer, more organic antenna design, but unfortunately is also quite a bit more expensive at geekbuying, somewhat cheaper on aliexpress.
One hesitation I’ve had with a stick is the lack of an on/off switch. I know I could unplug but hey, that means I have to get off of the couch. But seriously, when not in use even though it is on, is the stick at a reasonably cool temperature? Also, I heard that all Rockchip chips also have a DLNA mode, have you done a review of such a functionality? From my perspective, this would be a better Chromecast device than Chromecast as then I could throw lots of media to the TV from any app which supports DLNA. (That is, I want to throw media onto the device, not have to retrieve media using the device.)
Use custom FW Minx
It has a power off button
the android stick craze continues….i knew back last fall that in a year or so they’d start getting better…not just a crap made dongle…cord cutters might make it
If only they used standard SMA antenna so we are free to buy more powerful high gain ones
Word.
The trend toward external antennae is a good step forward however, as my CX-919 with external antenna has outstanding WiFi performance.