"Snuze: Needs another Swede" (markg)
05/08/2020 at 12:38 • Filed to: None
0
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"Snuze: Needs another Swede" (markg)
05/08/2020 at 12:38 • Filed to: None | 0
| 17 |
First, I want to get my mom something so she can watch Netflix. What’s the best,
EASY TO USE
, Netflix streaming device? That is the most important part - I am my folk’s 24/7 tech support and now with COVID I don’t go up there regularly like I used to. So I am looking for something easy to install, setup, and use. There are 2 HD TVs in the house with HDMI ports, so I think something like a Chromecast, FireTV, etc. that plugs into an HDMI would be best. I have a SmartTV with Netflix already on it so I haven’t used any of these devices. Recommendations?
Now for a slightly more complex question. My father has a really basic desktop that has Win10 Home on it that we got him a few years back when his last computer shit the bed. It’s been great for him so far, with a few minor hiccups, most of which I’ve smoothed out. He’s only ever used the built in Edge browser, and that’s been fine for him, so I haven’t messed with anything on it. Well now it doesn’t work. You click the icon, the browser opens, the mouse pointer turns into the “waiting wheel”, and then the program closes. It did this once before and for the life of me I can’t remember how I fixed it. He got adventurous and looked up some stuff on his iPad to fix it, and somehow deleted all his print drivers, so now none of his printers work either. I tried to talk him through some things on the phone but that went less than stellar.
So I had a genius idea the other day - remote in and fix it myself from my Win10 laptop. Except I have Win10 Pro on my machine, and he has Home, which doesn’t include the required features to do remote desktop. So that’s out. Again, the browser doesn’t work (otherwise I’d just download Chrome or Firefox and call it good). So we’re kind of limited to what’s in the Windows Store, I guess? Honestly, at this point I’m lost short of going up there and messing with it myself, which I’m trying to avoid since my folks are in their late 60's, I don’t want to risk their health. Any ideas??? Or should I have him set it outside, pick it up, bring to my place, fix it, disinfect, and return it?
Here’s where I’d put a picture for your time, but Kinja no longer lets me embed pictures, apparently. So just imagine your favorite car here!
CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 12:43 |
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Chromecast handsdown. If you were close, I have one I could flip you for free. Multi platform support (and IOS/Android support) and all it takes is the touch of one icon to work.
For Sweden
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 12:45 |
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Roku.
Thomas Donohue
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 12:48 |
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I’d suggest a Roku for Netflix. The remote is small and easy.
JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 12:52 |
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I’m gonna say it’s a tie between Chromecast and Roku. Many modern smart TVs (including my new Vizio) also have a freaken’ Netflix button on the remote. The nice thing about smart TVs is there’s no external box to worry about power/connections for. The downside is if the mfr stops updating the set, it’s no longer a smart TV... but then again, you can then ADD a Roku or Chromecast.
as for the remote access bit, I’m on the set it by the curb and pick it up deal... without a working browser it’s gonna be near impossible to fix... I mean if he can email (use a sepa rate client... do even old people still do that? Outlook is still a program....) The installer for some thing like Logmein Rescue is small enough to send as an atta chment, even if the browser is borked...
jimz
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 12:55 |
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Windows 10 home should still be able to use remote assistance, It seems they renamed it “Quick Assist”
and if a browser just starts crashing like that, I’d suspect an extension got added that is messing with things.
Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 12:56 |
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Windows laptop with an HDMI connection. Familiarity factor. No new remotes to learn. It behaves just like every other computer in the house and doubles as a spare computer. Can share a screen to help them get the show started from Netflix or whatever. Plus, the video will be much higher quality than whatever some gizmo offers, IMHO. I’d shop for a used Dell Latitude from Ebay.
For sharing a screen, my go-to is always TeamViewer, though TeamViewer get’s weird — likes to crash — when I do software installation.
lone_liberal
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 12:59 |
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I see others have suggested the Chromecast but I wouldn’t recommend it. I love mine but it doesn’t have apps built in to it. You have to use your phone app and then cast Netflix over to it. That’s more complexity than your parents probably want. I’d stick with something like the Firestick or Roku that has native apps right on it. Also, if you need to remote in use TeamViewer. It’s easy and free for non-commercial use.
Chariotoflove
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:02 |
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I have experience with Roku and Chromecast at home. The Roku built in with my Hitachi TV is the easiest to use. I’m not that fond of the Chromecast in my Vizio, but I do have to admit that it is a Vizio adaption and in an out of date model.
Roku sticks are super cheap. I don't think you can go wrong.
Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:08 |
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Apple TV, especially an older, cheaper version like a third generation unit. I had given my parents an RCA streamer that was surplus to my needs, but they wanted something a little more. When I visited I brought a Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV and something else. Out of all of the devices they tried they liked the Apple TV best and so I gave it to them. They didn’t need the added features of the 4th generation unit so I found them a 3rd gen and we swapped, and they’ve been happily using it for years now. I have other services that I use that aren’t included in the 3rd gen (Plex, Philo) and have been quite happy with the 4th gen and use it on a daily basis.
Aremmes
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:12 |
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Another vote for Roku. I have the Roku Express, their smallest, least expensive model. It uses IR instead of RF in the remote, which precludes voice control through the remote (though it still supports tha
t through the mobile app)
and the ability to control the device without having to point directly at the thing, but if your folks are used to old-school remotes this will be more familiar to them. Other than that, it still does everything every other Roku device does. Just put the Netflix channel app on the home screen and call it a day.
MiniGTI - now with XJ6
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:13 |
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Love my Roku, pretty easy to setup, super super easy to operate. Can watch Netflix, YouTube, Amazon and lots more.
liam
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:13 |
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AppleTV is pretty simple and solid.
For remote support I use TeamViewer (www.teamviewer.com) - it’s free for personal use like supporting family. I’ve used it on Macs, Linux and Windows, and it’s fine for supporting across the platforms too. Works better Mac to Mac than the native screen sharing. It supports audio while doing screen sharing so you can talk with the person that is remote - really useful when showing someone how to do things.
Nom De Plume
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:28 |
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Dad’s computer
$3 W10 pro license on fee pay
$20 SSD at MicroCenter to install W10 Pro on + mirror completely updated OS, working drivers, all personal info, etc image onto currently installed drive.
Have him disconnect and set the machine outside for you to collect. Copy all passwords, browser settings/bookmarks, personal info,etc onto external drive. Make decision whether to do fresh install or just update license and see how complicated M$ made that process.
Once everything is working correctly mirror current drive to SSD. Install SSD. Disinfect everything, pack it up, le
Double solution now in place. He can just swap drives or you can remote in. Great chance to back up all his info on a third separate drive for him to keep somewhere secure if not already in place.
Grand total - approximately $25 after tax + loss of older unusably small drive.
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Thomas Donohue
> Thomas Donohue
05/08/2020 at 13:34 |
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Just noticed that the image I posted does not have the ‘mic’ button, but models with voice search work surprisingly well....that can be helpful for searching Netflix, youtube, etc.
NojustNo
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:51 |
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Quic k assist comes with all windows 10 versions. Easy to use and perfect for this
ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 13:54 |
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Agree with all the Roku suggestions. I’ve had probably 6 Roku devices starting from the very first one going back over a decade at this point. They’re great and super simple.
As folks have pointed out, some models (maybe all at this point?) also have hotkeys for netflix. I’ve never used the voice function so can’t attest to it.
We also have the Roku Plus or whatever it’s called that has a headphone jack on the remote. We bought it when our daughter was born so we can watch TV without worrying about waking her. She’s older now, but that functionality is awesome if someone wants to watch a show but not bug someone else who is working/reading/sleeping etc. Believe this is the most expensive model that has it though.
On another TV we have just the newest stick version and it is surprisingly fast and still has all the main functionality too (including controlling TV on/off and volume, so it’s really the only clicker you need if streaming is all you do).
I have one early Chromecast I’ve had for a while, I hate it. Very buggy, crashes, loses sound etc. and it’s a pain having to control it with your phone. Doesn’t feel like something that would be intuitive for an older person even if my specific unit is just buggy - especially compared to a Roku device.
Also note Roku is service agnostic which is nice. TONS of channels out there, including quite a few with free stuff, or services you might already be getting access to with your cable subscription (CNN Go, Bravo, etc.).
facw
> Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/08/2020 at 15:53 |
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I agree with the people saying Roku, it will be the easiest to use. The 4K model is $40: https://www.google.com/shopping/product/11286502405846668069 , and I’m sure you can get a 1080p version for even less.