I BOUGHT THIS AS A RECOMMENDATION FOR TV, DUE TO MY CABLE PROVIDER NOT BEING ABLE TO WIRE CABLE IN A ROOM IN MY HOME, I'M HAPPY TO SAY I WILL DEFINITELY BE GIFTING SOME OF THESE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. IT WAS EASY TO SET UP AND EASY TO USE. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT AND WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE
I bought my Roku Streaming Stick last month. I was easy to install and I have no problems with it since then. I love the option of watching Netflix, Hulu-Plus, etc on my television in lieu of the smaller screens of my tablet or laptop.
I don't have any external devices (smart phone, laptop w/win 7, etc.) but Roku sets-up without them--Chromecast doesn't!!! You also don't have to have a PhD in Comp Sci. I was watching Netflix on my flat screen within 10 minutes. Very nice product. (No, you can't have too many remotes!)
Having twin toddlers we got rid of cable since they only watched one channel. With the roku we're not paying money for channels we'll never watch anymore. (Sounds like a commercial but it's true) Super simple to use and we haven't even come close to exploring all the channels yet. Kids shows a plentiful to keep the boys occupied. And they like to watch the animal live channel. Looking in at live animals around the world.
If you love the Roku 1, 2, or 3 (without the motion games), you have to check out this device, esp if you have an open HDMI port. My TV has a USB port as well so I use the enclosed cable and plug into the USB port to power my Stick. Be warned. You have to wait for boot up and at times need to wait for WiFi connection before you can use it (up to 2 or 3 minutes). If you have a plug close by, plug in to keep the Stick always on. My HDMI port is also MHL ready (supposedly), but I never could power the Stick from that port. Not sure if this was the TV or the Stick. I am happy to have the stick regardless.
Had trouble with our wifi at the same time we were setting up our Roku. Tech support was super helpful in determining where the problem was, then walking us thru to the end to be sure all was connected. Now how we love what we've got!