Almost back to the cheapest it's been.
Can often be found cheaper without the gamepad but from what I've read, it's definitely worth it.
CamelCamelCamel.
You may be surprised. I've had things turn up a week before their estimates.
Same here. I ordered 2 days ago and tracking status says its already on its way to Oz via the carrier
Ordered my shield on the 10th
Left LA Friday
Says delivery due 28th.
@Glyde62: Oh mine still says delivery due on Jan 1st. But the package is already in Australia awaiting customs clearance and I received the Auspost tracking ID. Amazon's delivery service is awesome. They sometimes deliver from US faster than some Australian retailers deliver locally in my experience.
What's the best way to buy from Amazon US if you don't have an international fee-free card?
Apply for one for free maybe?
It's typically 3% I think, so around AUD$7.50 in this instance. Depends on your FOMO level.
This is $100 more than I paid for the Minix u1 Neo with airmouse. Anyone think there is any real benefits?
Best-in-class gaming performance, 4K Netflix streaming, more regular firmware updates. It really is the best box currently available.
There are many more features but I just listed some that are different from the other Android TV boxes in the market.
Don't forget the ability to Chromecast + 'hey google, play XYZ on the TV'. none of the Kodi boxes have that. Even if you install a custom android TV rom into it.
Oh yeah that too!
I can understand when people think that $250 is a lot for the Shield but when you combine the cost of the Chromecast, the cheapest rig that can run a Plex media server, the ability to play videos in 4K and a controller.. That comes up to $250 easy. The Game play-ability and everything else are just bonuses!
We got one during the black Friday sale. We also picked up a USB FLIRC adapter https://www.amazon.com/FLIRC-Generation-Universal-Control-Re… , which allows you to control the unit with an IR remote such as the Harmony (We have a Harmony Touch, and it works great using the USB FLIRC. You do need to use a short USB extension lead too, as the ports are on the rear of the unit, and the lead allows you to have forward facing IR FLIRC receiver. There is a profile in the Harmony setup for FLIRC Nvidea Shield TV).
Of note, our unit was a bit annoying with the supplied Bluetooth remote lag (Fairly common, so google that). You do not get that issue if you use the game pad to control the unit or using IR Harmony with FLIRC. The Nvidea game pad can act as a standard remote for media play, and has its own microphone for when you want to ask google questions while using the unit.
Great unit for media playing, much better than our MiBox3 that was always resetting its resolution. This one stays where you set it, and does not have any video stutter when playing back huge media files either.
For those that have it, works with Harmony Hub without FLIRC.
I bought this just few days ago on Amazon for $198! Amazon does not offer price protection on its items now but after a bit of haggling with the customer care rep, I was given a $30 refund :D
Thanks for posting and making me aware about the price drop OP!
bought one - been hanging out for ages but decided to bite since Amazon AU doesn't seem to be taking this on anytime soon.
Thanks OP!
This was $210 shipped from amazon a few weeks ago so essentially paying an extra $40 AUD give or take for the controller..
Seems a bit steep - I don't even want/need the controller. I just want it for the 4k + HDR streaming capabilities till I upgrade my PC/HTPC
$40 sounds about right for a new controller these days. Obviously in your case it's a waste. But for people who want to game on it or use gamestream to play games off their PC it's a good deal.
Yeah absolutely. From what I've been reading people say it's a pretty good controller too.
Just meant it's a bit steep to pay the extra for something I won't use. If it was $10 or $20 probably wouldn't have cared.
The model with just the remote is available again at USD$149.99 + shipping. I was in the same boat - I'll never use the controller, so I've just picked up the remote-only model.
Any thoughts on how Amazon usually handles Xmas sales? Will this be cheaper then?
Also will a new version of the shield be out next year? Any news?
I don't quite need it yet but will do soon in 2018.
Ordered one today after receiving the price alert email. The only con is I won't get the delivery until 5th Jan.