Should I get the 2015 model or the new 2017 model?
A big draw for me is having the headphone jack in the remote control, and the option of an SD card.. but I dont know am I mad to consider a 2 year old device for these features alone... I know I can purchase the old remote separately but I want to keep cost as low as possible.
I can pick up the 2015 model (with no remote) for approx €25 less than the new 2017 model.
Any advice appreciated, Thanks
No IR receiver on the 2017 16GB
The SD card seems like the most useful thing that the 2017 version lacks, but I like that the 2017 comes with a remote and is smaller. I went with the 2017 mainly due to the remote, size, and "newness".
For only 25 pounds difference, I'd do the newer shield (that's how I am with anything). However, I believe the 2 are almost identical, it is more of a "refresh" than a new and improved product. A different number of outputs, but the hardware is about the same.
For the remote you may be able to find someone willing to switch; for the SD card slot there is no solution...
If you're going to use them, I think the controller and remote redesign are big improvements and make it worth getting the 2017. If you're going to control it with the phone app then 2015 will work just as well as the new one.
The only real difference is the remote and controller so i would go with a new one if your worried about money
Since I use the shield only for streaming I got the 2017 16GB model, because the remote is included in that package. And it is tiny compared to the 2015 16GB model.
And if you really need the space then you can attach an USB SSD.
The internals are the same, get which one has what you want.
If you plan on using the Google assistant features, the controller that's included with the new one has the required always on microphone. If you buy the old one, you'll have to pay $50-60 for the controller or a spot.
You lose SD, but still have USB. You lose the headphone jack on the remote (which you won't get anyway), but you have it in the controller and you can use Bluetooth. You lose IR, which stinks if that's something you need. New one is smaller and quieter, and will likely get updates faster and for longer.
Overall, If I were you, I would buy the new one for a couple bucks more.
Thanks for all the replies.. ive decided to go for the new model. I'm sure I wont be disappointed!
Saving 25 euro is not enough to justify buying a 2 year old box. A new box gives you better warranty, presumably less chance of breaking down etc.
The age of the device is largely irrelevant, given that its getting full feature parity and support as the 2017 model.