Best laptop strictly for streaming Internet videos?

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dstaples11

New Member
I'm looking for a relatively cheap laptop with the main purpose of plugging into my TV to watch videos on the net or stream local media.

I think all laptops come with a HDMI port these day so that part is easy. But when searching do I need to focus on...
Graphics card?
RAM?
Processor?
Something else?

If this is all I'm doing does it matter much?
 
If all you want to do is stream video from the internet, you might consider getting an Android mini PC. It's a stick that plugs into an HDMI port on your TV and can runs the Android OS and apps. Far less expensive than a laptop, less than $100. Here's an article about them: http://www.laptopmag.com/android-sticks

Another option would be a Roku player which is designed specifically for streaming video from the internet. An entry level Roku player can be had for $40, top of the line Roku 3 is $100.
 
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Chromecasts are kind of sucky, personally (and I have a personal vendetta against them since they don't play well with Cisco wireless controllers :P)

The Fire TV stick would probably offer you a lot more value just from having things like Netflix/Plex.
 
strollin said:
I actually saw a deal on a Chromecast for $23 today.
Click to expand...

Not worth it. I got mine for free and I barely use it.

There's a list of programs you can stream with but it's not as exact extensive as you would want.
 
I paid $35 for my Chromecast the first day they went on sale. Even though I don't use mine very much I still feel it's worth $35 and it's a steal at $23.

There are a heck of a lot more apps that support the Chromecast today than there were when I first got it.
 
I love my chromecast.

With my nexus 7, I can cast my entire screen to it.

If u dont have an android, tje option to stream youtube, netflix, hulu, or twitch seems pretty good for 25 bucks
 
I have a roku and love it. But it is limited.

The reason I said laptop is because there are specific websites not apps that stream TV episodes, live sports etc. Its ok to watch them on my desktop computer but Id like to have the convenience of watching it in my living room. I figured it would be simple to just plug up a laptop every now and then,
 
strollin said:
If all you want to do is stream video from the internet, you might consider getting an Android mini PC. It's a stick that plugs into an HDMI port on your TV and can runs the Android OS and apps. Far less expensive than a laptop, less than $100. Here's an article about them: http://www.laptopmag.com/android-sticks

Another option would be a Roku player which is designed specifically for streaming video from the internet. An entry level Roku player can be had for $40, top of the line Roku 3 is $100.
Click to expand...

Hi strollin; does this Android Mini Pc streams the same way pcs do or this is only limited to apps? remember most good streaming sites don't have apps, you only can use links!
 
Android has a number of browsers to choose from including Chrome so should be able to stream the same as a PC.
 
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