CHEAP Android Mini PC stick -11 bucks with remote and accessories!

[slappyhooper]

Although I realize the state of emulation is substantially less than it's elder, more established PC brother, this little guy is still fairly capable, and is cheaper than I've ever seen.
The downside is that it's shipped from China, so it will take a bit to arrive, but the purchase is covered by Ebay buyer protection.  For only 11 bucks (shipped free), it's hard to find too much not to like about this offer.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181284623144?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

So in a nutshell, you get a dual core 1.6 GHZ ARM A9 processor, 1 GB DDR3 Ram and 8 GB onboard storage (expandable to 32 GB via Micro SD) WIFI is onboard as well.

I've been meaning to scoop one up for a while and play around with emulators on it, and I finally bit. I'll let you guys know how things work out when it comes in.

[RandyT]

This can't possibly be legit

[chopperthedog]

There's a reason it's cheap. The 808 was horrible with wifi and heat build up. The MK908ii addressed both issues and is actually pretty nice.


good day.

[RandyT]

This should be a pretty good indicator that something's not quite right here.  Unless there's a shipment somewhere that's about to fall off the back of a truck

[IG-88]

So what is this thing all about? Are you wanting to run an Android Mame emu on it? How do you interface it with a monitor, audio, and controls? Never heard of these before..

[eds1275]

I just picked up 2. I will give it a once over when it arrives.

[ark_ader]

I have the MK and it plays Mame pretty good and all the emulators.

I don't know about this stick, but mine cost $45 and it has BT.

You might get this stick in just Chinese, but you can put linux on the micro sd card and it will boot it.

[RandyT]

Looks like the same seller has a quad core setup with more memory for $19.00.

What the hell, it's ebay's problem if they don't deliver, so I might as well give it a try.  Anyone have an app to run on these things to make sure they don't send my credit card info back to China?   

[degenatrons]

My mk808 was buggy and prone to overheating but all problems resolved after decasing and flashing the latest minix firmware.  Has been stable/reliable ever since 

[Automark]

thanks, i just ordered the quad core.
Dont think Ill ever see it though, for this money?

[ark_ader]

I just got an update saying mine will be shipped today, expedited International Delivery.

Hopefully not via shanks's pony.

[jimmer]

Put my order in for a quad core. Just to be in on the action.
Fingers very crossed.

[RandyT]

Word of caution:  The shipping notice that appears to be from ebay, definitely seems fishy.  Clicked on the item and was re-directed to an item on ebay.ca which showed a different shipping method.  It seems to be spoofed, with the intention of getting people to click it for some reason.  Avast didn't sound off or anything, but somethings still not right about the situation.

[ark_ader]

Word of caution:  The shipping notice that appears to be from ebay, definitely seems fishy.  Clicked on the item and was re-directed to an item on ebay.ca which showed a different shipping method.  It seems to be spoofed, with the intention of getting people to click it for some reason.  Avast didn't sound off or anything, but somethings still not right about the situation.

Let us wait and see.  I'm still expecting it to arrive faulty, then the games will begin.  So you are a guy in China, has a friend who has 400 faulty MK808 sticks and 200 odd controllers that were sold as scrap.  How do you turn them around?  You sell them for $11 and the suckers will flock by the dozen.   

I hope that isn't the scenario.  I'm guessing that the MK808 series is now out of date, and they are trying to flood the market to get anything for them.

Yeah the Canada site is dodgy.  I didn't sign into Ebay.ca.  Yet the internet is buzzing with this deal apparently.

[RabidRabit]

In for one...though, to be honest, I will be very surprised if I actually receive what is pictured.  Worst case scenario, PayPal gives me my 11 bucks back.

[lettuce]

Hmmmm i wonder if RetroArch and mainly the Mame core would run on the quad core version of these???....let us know guys

[kiwasabi]

SCAM. Talk to ebay immediately if you ordered one of these. Got ripped off for 2 Android boxes already and am currently dealing with my credit card company to get my money back. In my opinion, don't order from China unless it's someone you really trust.

I would recommend K-R42 for $93 on Amazon. It has both HDMI output and 3.5mm audio output, which is great for having a real amp and speaker setup. It's also well designed with a heatsink built onto the processor that spreads heat and redirects it away.

http://www.amazon.com/K-R42-Cortex-A9-External-Ethernet-Controller/dp/B00EAGUXA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388043605&sr=8-1&keywords=k-r42

[kiwasabi]

If you don't need separate audio output (i.e. you're using PC speakers), this is the best deal from a reputable site. $42 for MK808. This was $65 just a few months ago.

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/MK808-Dual-Core-Android-4-1-Jelly-Bean-TV-BOX-Rockchip-RK3066-Cortex-A9-Mini-PC-stick-307415.html

[slappyhooper]

Uggh, yeah, Ebay just pulled the auction. Since I already payed I have to wait and see if it arrives.

"this listing was removed by eBay. If you already paid for the item, we recommend that you wait 10 days from the expected delivery date to see if the item arrives. If you did not pay,you are no longer obligated to pay for this item. If you have a problem with the purchase, you can resolve the problem by filing a claim through our resolution center."

Sorry to the board if you don't get one... I'm crossing my fingers that it still arrives but at this point I'm guessing not, which really sucks.

[Grasshopper]

Uggh, yeah, Ebay just pulled the auction. Since I already payed I have to wait and see if it arrives.

"this listing was removed by eBay. If you already paid for the item, we recommend that you wait 10 days from the expected delivery date to see if the item arrives. If you did not pay,you are no longer obligated to pay for this item. If you have a problem with the purchase, you can resolve the problem by filing a claim through our resolution center."

Sorry to the board if you don't get one... I'm crossing my fingers that it still arrives but at this point I'm guessing not, which really sucks.

The seller has also been deregistered...

I'm in the same boat as you. I ordered one of the quad core sticks a few hours ago, just before the listing was removed.

I've always wondered how good Ebay/Paypal are about refunding money. I guess I'm now going to find out.

[pbj]

Don't bother with Ebay/Paypal, file a chargeback with your credit card company.  Say that they were suspended for fraud from Ebay.  You'll get your money back instantly.

 

[RandyT]

Not that this wasn't unexpected, but I'm showing a tracking number that is actually moving through the post.  I wonder what has been shipped and/or how many received the same number. 

If anyone does manage to actually get these things, and it works, it would probably be a very good idea to try to flash it with some other firmware before using it. 

In the past, ebay has actually been pretty good with the buyer protection.  It'll be interesting to see how they handle this one.

[Automark]

In the past, ebay has actually been pretty good with the buyer protection.  It'll be interesting to see how they handle this one.

They should, have you ever sold anything via ebay/paypal? They ask up to 15% of your turnover. In a lot of branches that is more than the profit

[Generic Eric]

Not that this wasn't unexpected, but I'm showing a tracking number that is actually moving through the post.

I wonder if you are going to recieve the tiger charm on a red string?  Seller had bad feedback.  I checked deal extreme for this device. Suprised at the cost.  Anywhere from $40 to $100.

[Grasshopper]

Don't bother with Ebay/Paypal, file a chargeback with your credit card company.  Say that they were suspended for fraud from Ebay.  You'll get your money back instantly.

 

IIRC, they actually try to take the money from my bank account by direct debit, and only use a credit/debit card if the direct debit fails for some reason. That being said, I could get my bank to reverse the direct debit transaction (which they are obliged to do under the terms of the direct debit guarantee), so the end result is the same.

I'm guessing that's why Paypal/Ebay offers a no quibbles money back guarantee. They know that buyers have other means of clawing their money back anyway, so they may as well comply graciously. If they resist giving refunds, they run the risk of being blacklisted by the major banks and/or credit card companies, and that would put their entire business model in jeopardy.

[DarakuTenshi]

I've been buying off of eBay since the early days and using PayPal when they offered you $10 just to sign up to use them. Anyway I've never had problems with getting my money back from scammers.

[pbj]

Come now, I may be showing my age, but I can distinctly remember the "sorry, we've found in your favor but the other party has no funds in their account to collect" days.  Even better was they'd allow the person to keep doing business with that account!   

But I really should take my own advice....

I got ripped off by Bath and Body Works this Christmas.  They've admitted it.  They refuse to refund my money unless I sit on hold for six hours.  Paypal won't "finish the investigation" until January 10th.  I'm pondering why I even bothered contacting anyone besides Mastercard.

[jammin0]

I was intrigued when I saw this but not surprised in the least to hear that the seller was pulled.  He had fake feedback and had sold thousands of these things even though his feedback was in the hundreds.  it's a shame that ebay doesn't have better control of these sort of scams.  Hope everyone gets everything back in the end. 

[ark_ader]

I have a tracking number so I will wait and see.

$11 is nothing today, well nothing to worked up over or get your knickers in a twist about.

I liked the puzzles he was selling.

[slappyhooper]

Really curious if I'll get this sucker now. Tracking shows that it just entered USPS system yesterday in Chicago, Il......Might be could be I'll get it soon.

[RandyT]

Really curious if I'll get this sucker now. Tracking shows that it just entered USPS system yesterday in Chicago, Il......Might be could be I'll get it soon.

Hmmm, I'm seeing the same thing.  Your tracking number doesn't end in "21" does it?

[slappyhooper]

Nope.

[RandyT]

Well, there goes that theory   So something is on the way to both of us.  Hope it's not a "seed on a string".

[Grasshopper]

I opened a dispute with the seller, and sent him several messages, including one asking for a tracking number.

The good news is that he does respond to messages. The bad news is that, regardless of what question you ask, you get exactly the same generic cut'n'paste response:

'Hello dear friends! Goods has been sent. Been on the road you can query.
Ebay let me resolve the dispute and I am anxious. Probably 15-25 working
days to receive you please cancel complaint I really appreciate. Wish you
and your family happy. Everything liking. happy every day.'

Not a good sign.

[slappyhooper]

 :angry:DAMN MONGOWIANS!

[kiwasabi]

What he sent won't be an Android box. The seller I dealt with sent everybody some sort of audio jack adapter based on ebay feedback (I never received one myself). Just be patient and eventually you'll get your money back. Seems as though going through my bank/credit card company was the way to get this taken care of.

[ark_ader]

The shipping tracking number has been updated to note that the package is in California.  Hopefully I will get my package real soon!

[slappyhooper]

Clearly a scam just received a little red and black bead necklace in the mail. That sheety Chinese scammer!

[chopperthedog]

Clearly a scam just received a little red and black bead necklace in the mail. That sheety Chinese scammer!

Pics?


good day.

[slappyhooper]

I will post pics when i get home.

[slappyhooper]

Well, here's what you guys who ordered can expect:

Note the contents of this little package....HAH!(the label reads:)
Quad core PC TV Box
Mouse RC11



Here's the only item inside the package. I've seen stuff like this in the Philippines and Vietnam which sell for about twenty cents each. Dirty Dogs.



Sorry for even starting this post guys. I feel bad. It pisses

[yotsuya]

That's almost enough to buy the island of Manhattan.

[slappyhooper]

Nope, but when combined with the H1N1 on the beads it might be....

[lettuce]

Why would they even go to the trouble of even sending you anything!?

[slappyhooper]

Best guess? So they can keep selling stuff over the ten day float period and look legit.

[JDFan]

Why would they even go to the trouble of even sending you anything!?

SO the first few to file a claim can be delayed when they report to EBay that they have shiiping numbers to prove they sent the item including a shipping description on the label (Buys them a few extra days to scam new people of more money !) -- Plus the chinese govt. subsidizes the shipping so it's not like they are out of pocket paying the shipping costs !

[pbj]

It's so they can provide a shipping number to PayPal and demand you return it for a refund.

It's a pretty vicious scam and Paypal loves every second of it.

I got a counterfeit item once and PayPal declared I had to send it back registered mail.  I sent them a copy of the federal law forbidding the shipment of counterfeits.  Their legal department responded with "have your lawyer contact us.  Otherwise ship it back if you want a refund."

You're swimming with sharks.  Protect yourself.

[Grasshopper]

I think, in this case, it's more to do with buying time. It can take well over a month for even legitimate items to arrive from China, and a valid tracking number makes the guy seem plausible. People won't know for sure they've been scammed until they actually receive the item. So the guy has at least a month to collect as much money as possible, clear out his Paypal account, and disappear, before Ebay cartches up with him.

It's the same with the nonsensical cut'n'paste replies he gives to messages. He knows that as long as he replies within a certain timeframe, he can stay under Ebay's radar. This is where Ebay pays a heavy price for having a system that is largely automated. It's easy for scammers to game such a system.

[ark_ader]

Isn't this mail fraud?

If there is enough complaints, can you not bring legal action to ebay?

[slappyhooper]

So I'm on the phone with Ebay now. The process anybody who ordered will want to go through is as follows:

1. Open a case under "Item not received" or "Item not as described"
2. Call Ebay and explain what's going on. They picked up instantly for me, and took care of the issue. It required taking a few details before transferring me to higher echelon resolution.
3. Resolutions took my info, had me wait a few minutes and sent full refunds to my Paypal account. Told me funds are guaranteed to be in my Paypal account within 3 business days, but will most likely be there tomorrow.

So I guess the takeaway from this adventure is. FREE BRACELETS FOR EVERYBODY!

[slappyhooper]

I forgot to mention, there is no requirement for me to return anything I receive.

[ark_ader]

I forgot to mention, there is no requirement for me to return anything I receive.

I got my bracelet in the post today.

I will contact my local postmaster and ask if I can get any compensation from the post office.  It has their logo on the packet.

[slappyhooper]

Won't work. Seller listed value of the item sent as 1.00
I suspect that's the most you'd get WITH shipping insurance, which we don't have.

[bsellers100]

Well, here's what you guys who ordered can expect:

Note the contents of this little package....HAH!(the label reads:)
Quad core PC TV Box
Mouse RC11



Here's the only item inside the package. I've seen stuff like this in the Philippines and Vietnam which sell for about twenty cents each. Dirty Dogs.



Sorry for even starting this post guys. I feel bad. It pisses

I'll trade you.  It looks like I got a Chinese condom in my package.  I am afraid to open it up to be totally honest.

[jimmer]

I'm quite jealous of your bracelet.

I got a ---smurfy--- little wood charm.

[Grasshopper]

I'll trade you.  It looks like I got a Chinese condom in my package.  I am afraid to open it up to be totally honest.

Lol. What's the point in giving you a condom after you've been screwed? 

I had to go through the motions of trying to communicate with the guy for 8 days. But once I was able to escalate my dispute to Ebay, I got my money back in literally a few minutes.

[eds1275]

I can hardly wait to see what junk he had laying around the house and sent me - I should get 2 exciting trinkets. If I'm lucky.

[sharpfork]

I'm quite jealous of your bracelet.

I got a ---smurfy--- little wood charm.

I'm jealous too, I got this fine thing:


If it seems too good to be true...
dispute with eBay and Paypal.

[eds1275]

I just got some FAAAAABULOUS earrings. That I had to sign for. At the crack of dawn.

[menace]

Whats the best contact number for ebay..ie. one where you get to someone who can actually do something?  I've already filed my paypal claim but would rather deal with ebay..

[the720k]

Sorry to hear about the hassles you guys had to go through.  I had the exact same thing happen to me about a year ago.  Ordered an MK802 for $18 on eBay, sounded too good to be true, etc., and sure enough, it was.  At least you guys got trinkets.  They sent me a wristwatch manual. 

Quickly refunded, though. 

[Automark]

paypal wants me to send the package back to china with registered mail. From spain that is 6$
What a complete  paypal buyer protection sucks.

[pbj]

Told you so.   

It's so they can provide a shipping number to PayPal and demand you return it for a refund.

That's what you get for admitting it arrived and wasn't what you ordered.

Next time, immediately file a claim with your credit card.  If you insist on playing with Paypal - say you never received it.

[slappyhooper]

You guys are going about it all wrong.
1. File a claim with Ebay. Not PayPal.
2. Immediately call eBay.
3. They will decide in your favour because the sale is protected by eBay' s buyer protection.
4. 2 business days later PayPal will have your refund.

there is no need to send back anything to China.

[menace]

Yup--I filed a claim with paypal and they tried to get me to do all sorts of nonsense--I called ebay and it was sorted out in 15 mins and the money returned in 30.  Skip paypal and go directly to ebay--they can handle paypal from their end 100x faster than the consumer does.  Once again..paypal sucks.

[Singapura]

Interesting, knowing that eBay and PayPal actually have the same people managing claims.

[eds1275]

Also the return address they tell you to ship it back to is not real. Addresses have numbers.

[Grasshopper]

I agree that filing a claim with Ebay is the best way to go. Once I filed a claim, I got my money back in literally a few minutes without any drama. I'm guessing that Ebay has flagged this guy's account to ensure that a refund is automatically given to any buyer that asks for one.

[ark_ader]

I got the refund and then I kicked off at paypal and got a "sorry we goofed up" credit for $11.  Pays to complain.  This was after being on hold for 20 mins and being shuttled around.

[RabidRabit]

Still haven't received my trinket.  The tracking number shows that its last location was in the hands of USPS in Chicago on the 4th.   

[RabidRabit]

Received my package today...

Man!  This little computer rocks!  Who would have thought that such a powerful little PC could be so cheap and so small?  And the remote is awesome, too.



















lol...just kidding.  I got a plum pit on a red string...

[pbj]

We were trying to locate a mouse shaped trinket a few weeks ago and ended up in the chinatown mall.  They wanted $25 for one of those damned things like what you are getting, we just laughed and bailed.  Probably would have purchased at $11.

[jimmer]

I didn't want to make a phone call to USA, so I followed the eBay procedure. Chose I want a refund, and was thus on the return item to seller track.

Then I emailed Paypal and told them I wanted my money back and wasn't going to return the item at my expense because it was a delberate scam.

I don't know whether the email to Paypal made any difference, but I got messages from eBay later saying that seller had decided to refund me fully and money would be in Paypal account in 24hrs.

[RabidRabit]

Opened a case with ebay, received e-mail instructing me to send the plum pit back to China.  Called ebay customer service at 866-540-3229 and explained that it was a scam and that I wasn't going to send a fruit seed back to China, they agreed and said to expect my money back within 3 business days.

[ark_ader]

I just went to a Pier One Imports, and not only located the bracelet I got from China but the necklace too.  The bracelet is $13 and the Necklace is $18.99, both in red and blue.  I don't feel too bad now. 

[RandyT]

I got a very nice pearl choker, but I'm not rubbing it on my teeth to see if it's real.   Got a refund too.