Zero Devices http://www.zero-devices.com/ is arguing that its ZK802 is the "original" and is superior to MK802 which is "only a copy". As a matter of fact there are many vendors which offer "MK802", but they might not all sell the same hardware. So is there any (more or less) neutral comparison of these thumb stick computers ? And by the way: how do they really fare whith Ubuntu installed instead of Android 4 ?

its probly based on what application you use it for. one is better for quick small transfers, the other is probly better for larger files.

Disclaimer: I work with miniand.com and we sell the MK802.

Ubuntu fares well on it, we've got 12.04 working in the last couple of days and performance is definitely usable. We've got a DNS issue that we have to iron out, but we are very happy with how it runs, especially Lubuntu and Xubuntu. Downloads and instructions here: https://www.miniand.com/forums/forums/2/topics/1

We have a very good relationship with the original manufacturer of the MK802 in Shenzhen (I live in south China at the moment) and they swear blind that they are the original manufacturer and ZK802 is a clone. We have a supply contract with the factory and they manufacture many other original products, as well as some really cool A10 designs on the way. There's some posts by ZK802 supporters saying that US customs are intercepting MK802 and destroying them because they are the clones, but every single one of our US customers have received theirs without a problem.

All of the MK802 devices you are seeing at the moment are from this factory as far as we know. They've just released a new model today (still MK802) with ventilation and a slightly modified CPU, so if you order today it's possible you'd get one of two versions. If you are interested to get the new model, tell the seller you want the one with air vents on the bottom.

Happy to answer any further questions and I will do my best to be as objective as possible, keeping in mind the disclaimer above.