There are multiple ways of staying connected after we say good bye to MSNtv. This is a short summary. One should look at websites like Amazon, Wal-Mart, & Best Buy (links at the page bottom) to see what actual users have to say on any particular item. (A note about reviews, people tend to complain quicker than they praise.)
Some products may not be sold at all stores or at all locations. If you're buying locally, make a printout to take along. This will help not only you but the sales clerk as well.
Tablets
A wide variety & brands of tablets are for sale in local & online stores. In general tablets are designed to be used for someone on the go & don't replace a full PC. Generally one types on the onscreen keyboard when it's needed. Some tablets allow for an external keyboard. Tablet sizes range from the size of a smart phone up to about 10". All need a Wifi (wireless broadband), whether they connect at home or at a Wifi hot spot in the community. Some tablets, with a HDMI port, allow the connect to show the image on a HDTV screen. The current Android market is 4.2 (apps from the Google Play store).
While Wal-Mart, Ebay & Amazon sell a selection under under $100, most are poorly rated, have very small screens, and lack the ability to connect external devices. Generally they have older an App store version, & some can't load Google's Play apps. Some may have poor battery life.
Name brand tablets are usually better buys, but check ratings at online websites such as walmart.com and amazon.com.
Before the tablet can be used, it must receive a full charge. Once it is fully charged, then it can be set it up. I found my tablet drains faster while watching video. My tablet does not turn on with less than 35% charge. However I can use it while it charges (tethered to the charging cable).
I have composed a very short list of tablets. There are many more out there that may meet your needs.
In addition Walmart sells 2 NextBooks that each get a 4 of 5 star rating by it's users. The NextBook 7" Tablet w/ Google Mobile Services sells for $69 and its 8" cousin (same title, except size) sells for $100. Some may sell one or both in local stores, and it should available to order in the site-to-store department, if one asks the clerk for help. Be aware earlier versions of NextBook were poor in quality, based on reviews on multiple web sites.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are made by several manufacturer and generally get good reviews. They are easy to use & learn. The biggest complaints I saw were it was made of all plastic (lightweight), weak battery life, & the browser was poor at multitasking. Some have said Chromebooks will be a great MSNtv replacement.)
Chromebooks do print but only "in the cloud". I am unsure if a printer based app would allow for printing without the need for a cloud based printer.
Here are a few reviews (there are many out there):
CNN
Laptop Magazine (on individual models)
And this is just one (albeit the lowest price 4 star rating) at Amazon.
Amazon link Amazon mobile link
Samsung Chromebook & HP Pavilion has Bluetooth. While all Chromebooks connect using WiFi, some can connect with Ethernet. The A7 Acer, the HP Pavilion, & the Samsung Chromebook 550 each also can connect directly to a modem or router by Ethernet cable.
Judging by statements made in the Users alt.discuss groups and to me via email, it seems Chromebook is how the largest number of people will be connecting to the Internet after September 30th.
Google TV
My replacement has been the Vizio Co Star. It works great and I anxiously await the Chrome 26/ Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 update due before September 30th later this year.
Since I have a lot of info on it, I made a separate page on it.
Lendell's Mailbug (Email only)
Another device that may be of interest to some is the Mailbug, which allows to users to send & receive text email on their device. It uses dial up to connect, no TV required, but will not surf the Internet. When I emailed the company, I got more info than would fit in a small summary. They also will offer a discount to webtv/ MSNtv users. I have created a page for it as well.
Presto (Email only)
Another similar device is HP's Presto, which prints email in the customer's home. Only those in the address book will be able to send email. The customer will NOT be able to send email nor will there be a way to browse the Internet. It does print out email, including photos & attachments, in full color. The account is set up on a computer, often by another family member elsewhere. The regular price is $150, but is listed as on sale at $100 in July 2013. The monthly fee is $19.
Presto website Phone (800) 919-3199
Computers for seniors
By now many of us would have already would have bought a full computer if we really wanted one. Three companies offer computers designed for seniors. All the needed software comes preloaded & ready to use on arrival. Prices start at $600 & rise sharply from there. Telikin Computers sells it's own brand & WOW Computer appears to be selling the Telikin brand. Both offer optional VIP service for $10. A Plus Senior Computers sells a larger selection, including notebooks. Their VIP service, also optional, costs $20 a month.
The VIP service by all 3 companies seem to offer priority phone support (a few minutes instead of 50 minutes wait time in the phone queue, and access to more than 1 "tech buddy", for example).
All require broadband (high speed Internet) but a HDTV is not needed.
- A Plus Senior Computer 800-675-6341 website
- Telikin 800-717-6020 website
- Wow Computer 800-268-1912 website
This review was written by ConsumerReports.org in April 2013.
Smart TV
Smart TV's are large HDTV's that include web apps, similar to what are seen on phones & tablets. However many don't include a full web browser. Packaging is often confusing to what TVs have access to the full Internet. Also, while a particular TV may fill your needs up to a decade, the growth of the Internet prompts people to update their devices every few years. And lastly, if the Smart TV fails or needs repair, you may be without both for a period of time & high price tag as well for replacement or repair.
Having said that, this site has compiled information about Smart TVs.
The site list these as the top Smart TVs, all with a web browser.
- LG 42LS5700
- LG 42PM4700
- Sony KDL-40EX640
- VIZIO M420KD
It should be noted there are a few Smart TV's with Google TV. These all have a full web browser.
Streaming media players
Streaming media players (SMP) make it simple for one to watch web based video. Few have web browsers, & many require to sign up for apps on other devices (especially when a subscription to a service is needed). The apps are to services like Vudu, Netflix and Hulu Plus that stream movies & TV programs, as well Internet video sites like You Tube & Vimeo. On some of these sites using a PC, finding the video & getting it to play full screen may be a challange for some. The SMP's take the effort out of it, presenting the video full screen with just a few clicks.
Sony advertises these SMPs as having a web browser,
model numbers:
- BDP-S1100
- BDP-S3100
- BDP-S5100
- BDP-S790
Also listed as having a web browser:
UEBO M400 1080P Media Player/ Web Browser
Roku is most noted for it's channels, not only to the main video sites, but it allows individuals to create their own channels. And some of those channels are private & not shown on the official Ruko site. The private sites may be in beta testing or the owner does not want it in the public profile. Most channels are free, some do have nominal one time or monthly fees. Most movie sites are subscription (fee) based. There is no monthly charge to use the Roku service itself though.
The Roku channel list can be found here.
The Roku does not include a web browser. You need web access to subscribe to Roku & to submit credit card info for some subscription services.
More information about Roku is here .
I was asked to include information about these players as well. I won't review these streaming media players myself since I don't use them. With one exception, they do not have a browser.
For the Google Chromecast, it allows you to watch video from devices elsewhere in your home network to a HDTV. I saw this review that seemed to be detailed enough.
There are 4 Neo TV devices. Three do channels much like Roku. The Neo TV Prime has the GTV platform, which means it has a browser. Reviews for Neo TV in general average 3 of stars. Here is a recent review I found.
Apple TV has channels as well as mirrors local media content. Here is a review for the third generation of Apple TV.
Someone alerted me to the Zeki Tab803B streaming media box. This unit will work on standard def TV as well as HDTV's, according to the online instruction booklet. It's primary purpose is to stream movies & video from the Internet onto your TV. It also has the Jelly Bean Android build. Watching a video from You Tube, it shows this device acting as if it were a tablet on your TV.
The keyboard is a small as what is included with other similar devices. However the keys are less cramped then what are on the Vizio Co Star remote. The remote can be used as a mouse pointer.It is likely a full size qwerty keyboard could bought to use with this, but it probably would need a USB powered Android keyboard. It is not Bluetooth compatible.
If you plan on using this device on a standard definition TV, you will need a 3.5mm to RCA cables, such as this one for sale at Amazon.
The reviews are very mixed at HSN and only a few but more positive reviews at Amazon. Walmart sells them in store for about $80.
Because of mixed reviews & reported sluggish performance, I will not endorse it. The option has been posted for those that wish to consider it.
Like all streaming players, it does require high speed Internet.
Senior Friendly Computer Software
For those that are using a computer, several companies offer software to
show graphics & text of the general operation in a more senior friendly
format. The user would need to down the software to the PC. In addition,
most have fees, either monthly or yearly. One had a five year license
(permission to use) for $99.
It seems these software programs works best with Windows that use touch
screens. However at least one company advertised their software would work
on most computer devices, including Ipads.
Shopping online & in person
There are several places to "window shop" for a new device. These websites are just a few of the places to look.
Amazon.com full site
http://www.amazon.com/
Amazon mobile site
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/h.html
Best Buy
http://www.bestbuy.com/
Best Buy mobile site
http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/digital/
HHgregg (stores in midwest & eastern US)
http://www.hhgregg.com/ (no mobile site)
Frys Electronics (stores on west coast & southwest US)
http://www.frys.com/ (no mobile site)
ShopNBC (offers monthly payment plans)
ShopNBC.com electronics
Walmart
http://www.walmart.com
Walmart mobile site