The Google Chromecast and the Roku are just a couple of the entertainment technology devices that college students across the nation can utilize during their college years. Each offers something different, while still catering to the entertainment needs that students have.
The Google Chromecast is a small device that connects wirelessly from your computer to your television screen, which allows the user to project online videos and stream games directly onto the larger screen of their television from smaller devices like laptops and mobile devices.
The Chromecast is fairly cheap, at only $35, which is a great fit for many students’ budgets. The device is very small, taking up the space of a set of car keys, which is perfect for students living in the dorms. It is quick and easy to set up, only taking about five minutes. You only need the internet and the device hooked into your television. From there it is as easy as going to the Chromecast website (with the code showing on your television) and then entering the code into the website.
The best part is that it not only works with laptops, but students can also connect Android-based tablets and mobile devices, iPhones and iPads. This allows students who choose to work mainly with smaller computers and phones to also stream content to their television screens. It makes viewing that funny YouTube video much easier. Having the option to see homework on a larger screen is also easier on the eyes, as well as you won’t be craning your neck over a laptop or mobile device.
However, there are some roadblocks that hinder the functionality for the Chromecast. First, many colleges that offer internet have routers that block the access needed for setup. Usually this can be remedied by contacting the university tech-support, and asking permission.
The Chromecast is powered by a micro-USB/ 9 volt power adapter, and the cord is not terribly long, which may require students to get a power strip in order to reach an outlet, and the cord can get in the way occasionally. There is a solution if the TV being used has a micro-USB cable to USB port, which is only available on select models. If you have a newer television, you can work around the pesky power cord.
Not all tablets, phones, and small computers are compatible with the Chromecast. Devices like a Windows Surface tablet do not work with the device but other Windows-based tablets, like the Windows Surface Pro 3 are capable, as they allow online application downloads. It will also not work on phones that do not run Android or Apple software.
Is it perfect for college students? Yes and no. For the modest price of $35, it is a great alternative to some entertainment systems that cost ten times as much. It is a nice addition to a student’s arsenal of technology, but it is far from necessary, as students can simply carry on without it.
The Roku Streaming Player is, in my opinion, the best option for students who use Netflix and other movie/show services, but are not into gaming. Depending on the model, the price of a Roku can be between $50 and $100, subscriptions not included. Roku devices come in multiple sizes; the largest model is only slightly larger than a couple of stacked coasters. Each device comes with a small, simple remote with an arrow pad, home button and power button.
Roku devices also offer a wide range of services including +1,000 channels and +31,000 movies, according to the Roku website. There are many free channels that cater to a vast number of niches, such as westerns, action movies and shows. The Roku streaming players also offer a wide variety of games, including Flappy Birds, in case you get tired of just watching television.
There are not many challenges that plague the Roku, but the subscriptions and their associated costs are something to keep in mind. Once any trial periods end, the cost of maintaining several monthly, or yearly, subscriptions can be a hassle. Each service displays the price of the service before you purchase it, and it feels like buying applications and games on a phone or mobile device.
As far as the Roku goes, it is the perfect answer to students and others who want the access to online movie and entertainment services like Netflix, but do not want to spend a fortune on a big console to do so. It is affordable, small, quiet, and fits perfectly into a dorm room or apartment.
Is it a perfect fit for college life? Yes and no. If a student isn’t into gaming but still wants easy access to movies and shows, it is a perfect fit. However, the vast majority of college students nowadays have an XBOX or PlayStation, which fulfills the duties that the Roku can perform, while also allowing much greater gaming and entertainment options.
The Roku streaming player and the Google Chromecast are just two of the vast options of entertainment consoles that are available to students. Both are cheap, reliable, and offer entertainment opportunities to students who choose to get them.
