I wouldn't recommend a "stick" anything for even an average media consumer.. Thing is, once your pal's tasted this world, will want more and then find out the stick is ...well.. not enough.. Better to buy something better at first and grow into it.. Then if after a long while, the fellow is no longer a noob, then can buy a more hands-on box.

For mainly Netflix + other features (should he need it) + pretty? UI + zero support? Go with the MiBox.. Should just work for simple needs..
For mainly Netflix FHD (max i believe) + much more other features + more power + minimal support? ... Get the Mecool M8S Pro L + voice remote and ideally, a solid airmouse such as the Minix A2 Lite or A3.

Thanks for the feedback. The thing is my friend is not a tech savvy guy and his media consumption habits are very limited due to work. He is thinking of getting a chromecast and I'm trying to discourage him from it and get something which is of similar cost (around RM200).

Why is the stick not a good idea? Due to sluggishness? From glancing at some reviews it seems to be better than the original stick and good enough for most users but I can't find any local reviews or experience with it.
The Mibox is a good idea but I need to convince him to spend a bit more.

Hmm.. Like that, then I'd recommend the Amazon FireTV.. Cuz at least can install Kodi and bunch of other Android apps on it.. albeit, doing those will require some extra work.. Unlike the easier click to install that we enjoy with regular Android boxes. Chromecast 2 is nice and all, but its heavily dependent on the connected smartphone or casting device.. So that's a daily negative..

Thanks for the feedback. The thing is my friend is not a tech savvy guy and his media consumption habits are very limited due to work. He is thinking of getting a chromecast and I'm trying to discourage him from it and get something which is of similar cost (around RM200).

Why is the stick not a good idea? Due to sluggishness? From glancing at some reviews it seems to be better than the original stick and good enough for most users but I can't find any local reviews or experience with it.
The Mibox is a good idea but I need to convince him to spend a bit more.

If he die die dont want to kacau the box/stick after 1st setup, chromecast is a good option.. he can select from phone and watch from tv.. thats it.. easy.. but only upto 1080p.. for 4k content, he will need a chromecast ultra and atleast 25mbps internet.. 1080p only need 5mbps..

Chromecast requires the use of a phone to cast. Having a traditional remote to control is a much better experience compared to casting. Its not that he die die don't wanna kacau after setting up, I just want him to have the best & simplest experience since he's a noobie.

Chromecast requires the use of a phone to cast. Having a traditional remote to control is a much better experience compared to casting. Its not that he die die don't wanna kacau after setting up, I just want him to have the best & simplest experience since he's a noobie.

Well.. astro then..
Or apple tv..

then mi tv should be enough, plus it has chromecast built in. the price also around 250+-, compared chromecast around 180.
its like basic android TV and suitable for streaming anything including netflix. and the apps are made for TV use.
other box is running with pure android, might troublesome if u not familiar with it.

Noticed some changes in icdrama. Icdrama in Kodi cannot play HK drama already. Says old apps no more supported.

Move to rssplayer instead. Surprise that now IR remote can be used to navigate moves already. Still checking if it is as good as Icdrama plugin in Kodi which can remember last played video.

RSS player has improved user friendliness !

Pray tell how does one watch Netflix via Astro and how apple tv fits a budget of around RM200? Did you even read my original post?
Yes, I think the Mi Box is the best option right now within the budget and requirements. Agree that the Android TV UI is easier for TV use and much nicer too compared to mobile Android versions ported to tv boxes. Thanks for your input. I will advise my friend to get the Mi Box.

Testing popcorn time apps

Looks okay to load via q10 pro

Oh I celebrated too early. The IR navigation is not perfect. It still shits.

Any other video player similar quality like popcorn time ?

Must have 1080p and 720p

No advertisement

Must have subtitle

Any other video player similar quality like popcorn time ?

Must have 1080p and 720p

No advertisement

Must have subtitle

popcorn time is not a video player...it's an app that streams from various sources

try:
newestHD
movieHD
cartoonHD
terrarium tv

Doesn't meet his criteria.. He wants "no adverts"..

Just search the apps name with no adv. Easier can get no adv edition.

Example: Terranium no adv

Yeah.. But those may have hidden stuff in it and if he's like me.. i prefer to only get stuff from the source.. Easier fix (if me), would be to switch to Kodi and or root the device and install an adblocking app with solid lists in it.. Get to enjoy official apps, content and no ads.. But hey, not everyone likes to get their hands dirty.. in this game, always a way.. Just have to work it.

Kodi is the thing I don't like. Haha! Try but never like.

Actually those no adv most is clean just need to carefully get as a lot site is fake one. Anyway I not using any of it also because all those not meet my required picture quality and also stream performance.