Roku Express: It just works!

Summary

This device was purchased for use in hotels through a personal cell phone.  Many of the hotels we live in have horrible internet service, so it’s better if you bring your own service.  The product was on sale for $24.99 down from base price of $29.99.  The product is super simple to use and comes with a USB cord for power, the small black remote box, remote control, power cord block (if you don’t have a powered usb on the tv), and HD cord.  I currently have 5 Roku devices and I used my current account.

THE GOOD

The product works and uses 4g hooked up to my hotspot on my cell phone.  Netflix loaded in about 10 seconds and the movie had to load 1% at a time taking about 20 seconds…BUT it did load.  The picture was good as well as the sound quality.  The remote worked with no issues.  The cables hooked up to the TV with no issues.  It worked as my first generation Google Chromecast did not (this is mentioned later on in the final word).  It worked as advertised on my Roku account.

THE BAD

Not alot to say bad about the product—-it worked.  All be it slow to load, it still worked.  I was unsure of the exact number of bars on my cell phone coverage, but it did show approximately 75%.  If you have to use the hotel hookup, it may not work so well due to the internet connection.  From what I hear from other crew members, if it works—it’s good!  For this product, that’s the key.

FINAL WORD

This product worked.  Nothing special or unique, it just works.  When  in a hotel and tired, all I want is a couple of movies on Netflix or HBO Go, that’s it.  For what I need a device to accomplish, this cheap Roku Express does the job.  I do however think that the Chromecast for Android phones may be easier due to the fact it just projects what’s on your phone to the screen.  My concern with the Chromecast is I would have to use my phone as the casting device AND as the internet connection.  I have no exact answer on this and if it will work or not.  For this reason, I opted for the tried and true Roku.  There are additional Roku devices up to $100 or more but for my needs, el chepo works.  I set the device up at home to make sure the cell phone hotspot would run the internet connection needed.