Cheap windows tablet as Client

[W3bbo]

I'm currently playing with a very cheap windows 8.1 tablet (Linx 7 - Amazon.co.uk £59.99) as a NPVR client. Currently connected to the TV via a micro HDMi cable with a HP MCE remote receiver on the USB port via the included USB OTG dongle. Connectivity is currently via WiFi.

Performance so far is very good with only a slight delay loading the EPG to show its running on such low end hardware and it looks like this will make a very nice bedroom client as it is completely silent.

The only remaining challenges are to find a way to charge the tablet whilst using the USB port (which is also used to charge the tablet) - have a four Port OTG charge cable on order from eBay and may play with a USB-Ethernet adapter as well to improve throughput (mainly for Plex HD streams).

I'll let you know how I get on!

[lost@c]

As an avid and happy Raspberry Pi user, I'd be keen to see how this goes. You may be able to resolve the USB port issue by using CEC and the remote from the TV via the HDMI to the tablet (assuming thats supported).

[mvallevand]

As an avid and happy Raspberry Pi user, I'd be keen to see how this goes. You may be able to resolve the USB port issue by using CEC and the remote from the TV via the HDMI to the tablet (assuming thats supported).

No CEC on Windows, but my Bluetooth remote works great with my $80 CDN Z3735 Windows for Bing tablet. Mine only has one USB port too the solution is a tablet with more ports, I'd wait for Win10 now though or consider a Windows for Bing PC although my Chromebox is much nicer but Windows has been good for DRM playback of services I can't get on Android.

Martin

[W3bbo]

I love the Pi as well, the main reason I'm looking at alternative solutions is the recording refresh / in-process recordings limitation using the Kodi NextPVR plugin which the family seems to have real problems with (plus I've stolen the Pi to do some side home automation GPIO projects!).

Hopefully the OTG Charge cable should do the trick - gives 3 USB ports plus a charge port and users on the Linx 7 forums have managed to get this working successfully but delivery is not scheduled until the 17th of July...

All in the solution should come in at about £85 (tablet, remote, OTG cable, HDMI cable, USB Ethernet adapter) vs £65 for a fully configured PI 2 based client or £185 for the cheapest NUC configuration.

[johnsonx42]

If you want a cheap windows client, consider an ECS Liva or the newer Liva X. It has eMMC storage so you have to run 8.1 or 10; Windows 7 doesn't know how to use eMMC. Currently NewEgg has the original 2GB/32GB Liva for only $99.

[mvallevand]

If you want a cheap windows client, consider an ECS Liva or the newer Liva X. It has eMMC storage so you have to run 8.1 or 10; Windows 7 doesn't know how to use eMMC. Currently NewEgg has the original 2GB/32GB Liva for only $99.

No Windows for Bing though, which is make the other devices the bargain.

Martin

[johnsonx42]

Reviews I've read from some months back when the Liva X launched said it would also be available with Windows 8.1 /w Bing pre-installed, but this has not materialized so far as I can see.

That said, many of the sorts of people who mess around with DIY DVR servers and clients, etc. are the same sorts who for one reason or another don't have to pay for a Windows license.

[mvallevand]

....I'd wait for Win10 now though...

I just accepted the Win10 reservation for my Windows Bing device it will be interesting to see how they do that on a 32GB device.

Martin

[W3bbo]

After having continued problems getting the tablet to work with a USB OTG hub / charge cable I've parked this one for a little while and used the tablet as a testbed for Windows 10 (result, impressed so far).

For my client machine I've gone down a different route and purchased a Beelink Pocket P1 which is very small (8x15cm) Atom based PC running Windows 8.1 with Bing (appears fully activated and legitimate) - has the advantages of 2 USB ports plus an extra 1GB of RAM over the tablet and cost £85.

Running this with a HP MCE remote plus USB to Ethernet dongle as a NextPVR client with Plex Home Theatre also installed. Very happy with the solution as a small, low power client machine with no problems playing back anything I've thrown at it so far.

[NumberFive]

Hi W3bbo,

Just wondering if the Beelink is still working okay for you? I'm considering getting one, or similar, for a client myself (might even set it up as a server to see can it handle that).

Feedback much appreciated.