The problem is that there are no good alternatives. I don’t like Apple and I don’t want to support them. The Android world is terrible, all devices are locked down and sold by awful companies, or if they aren’t, they are probably made by non-reputable Chinese manufacturers.
The only option is to buy a mini PC (like a NUC, or similar) or reuse some older/second hand PC/laptop, and install your own software.
It’s not convenient, but the only way you’re not going to get burned. And the software is rough, I personally don’t like Kodi… I just use it like a computer with a wireless keyboard with integrated trackpad.
My thought is that all of these players kind of suck and screw over their users in different ways.
If you’re not pirating and running a media server, and you just want a dumb thing for your family to not worry about when you’re gone, you’re going to have to pick your poison.
The problem is that there are no good alternatives. I don’t like Apple and I don’t want to support them. The Android world is terrible, all devices are locked down and sold by awful companies, or if they aren’t, they are probably made by non-reputable Chinese manufacturers.
The only option is to buy a mini PC (like a NUC, or similar) or reuse some older/second hand PC/laptop, and install your own software.
It’s not convenient, but the only way you’re not going to get burned. And the software is rough, I personally don’t like Kodi… I just use it like a computer with a wireless keyboard with integrated trackpad.
My thought is that all of these players kind of suck and screw over their users in different ways.
If you’re not pirating and running a media server, and you just want a dumb thing for your family to not worry about when you’re gone, you’re going to have to pick your poison.
Shield TV with projectivity
I went with a media center PC and haven’t looked back.