TopFeatured.com

I’m looking for a RELIABLE but ideally cheap(er) “TV Box” that would be used for audio and some video.

Requirements (non-negotiable):
MUST run Windows, probably win10. I know that Linux is the ultimate, but my audio interface only has win (and Mac) drivers. Yes, I know that Mac is better than Windows, but there is something to be said for a PC system that is not well into the four figures 😀
MUST have at least three USB ports.
MUST have HDMI out for video.

I was quite satisfied with a Pipo X9 for about 5 years until it died early this year. Since then, I’ve bought two Pipo X9S and BOTH were defective. The first the touch screen didn’t work. The 2nd has severe USB issues. It’s worth noting that in my first attempt, about 2015, the 1st Pipo (probably an X8) I ordered, NONE of the usb ports worked. Clearly, they have quality control issues. In fairness to Pipo’s brand, I am buying cheap stuff from China: especially now, quite possibly remaindered or returned units (these date to 5-6 years old).

Technically the current one with flaky USB is working. But a 2-day old PC that boots selectively, and not at all depending upon how USB accessories are plugged in, as well as showing 100% CPU utilization when no processes are running, does not inspire confidence 😀

$200-ish is a nice price for a basic box, but I’m getting tired of the hassle of returns. Return shipping is $40+ and that’s 20-25% of purchase cost lost right off the bat — not counting many hours of useless fiddling.

Enough! Can someone suggest a cheap-ish reliable media box, not too much above the $200 range? I’ve yet to check, but even another Pipo is acceptable — if seller will pay return shipping.

Please forgive the sloppy formatting. Apparently the web site’s editor likes to put in extra blank lines, for its own reasons!