I have never actually met someone who purchased a shield. Most people either use their smart TV or chrome cast.
Alright then I'll give you some insight into SHIELD because it seems all you guys think it is, is an overpriced Chromecast dongle...
- GameStream > 60 fps, low latency gaming while my PC is running upstairs. It works very, very well. Yes, Steam can do it too... on a separate PC. The SHIELD is that stand-in HTPC.
- Media server > granted, consoles do it too. But I'd much rather be on the Android TV platform than on a semi-closed console ecosystem where support relies entirely on one company, and their policy does tend to change. I haven't forgotten the PS3 media server woes either... none of those with SHIELD. Not to mention the power consumption difference - it is significant comparing SHIELD to console - five to eight times less power.
- Responsiveness > SHIELD is easily the most responsive Chromecast you can get. The machine boots up in 10 seconds, usually it's on before my TV is starting to give me an image.
- Voice search > with the Shield remote (I got one free with my shield, standalone its way overpriced I agree) you've got voice search at the touch of a button alongside 4-way navigation. The voice works, and it works flawlessly.
- Size > it's compact and very flat, fits almost anywhere, while the consoles are pretty bulky in comparison.
Is it too expensive for what it does? Purely on the hardware, yes it is. But it does offer some functionality and ease of use that is pretty unique.
BTW it's not more expensive than a console but cheaper than a console, and consoles only play console games, not PC streams.