Google Chromecast Versus Smart TVs

Looking to buy a new 39-42 inch LED TV for front room. Was going to buy an internet enabled TV (ie smart TV). However, just wondering if I would be better off buying a non-internet enabled TV and use google chromecast/ samsung android tablet for accessing internet content on my TV instead. Basically, google chromecast is €40 but an internet enabled smart LED TV is about €150-€200 euro dearer than a non-smart enabled TV. Also, easier to key stuff in an a tablet rather than a TV? Any views?

Chromecast is excellent for Netflix/You Tube. It has a Cast Screen option for other apps, but less reliable. If you are just interested in Netflix/You Tube it is ideal!

I haven't seen a good implementation of a smart tv... the software tends to not be maintained or updated so I would definitely favour a normal tv with a HDMI cable or Miracast to a tablet / laptop.

I don't really like smart TVs. I don't think TVs are the right device for web browsing. A Chromecast (need Android 4 or higher device to control this) will allow you to have Netflix and YouTube on your non-smart TV. You can also cast a browser tab from your pc/laptop/tablet/phone but it's isn't very good or very useful. You might be better with a non-smart TV and a Raspberry PI B+ (won't do Netflix) as your media centre and for web access with a wireless combo keyboard/mouse. A built-in satellite tuner, in addition to a Saorview tuner, is what I'd go for (LG for one do these).

Don't buy a TV for its Smart features. They're not very good. Handy for Netflix, YouTube (especially for small kids) and RTE Player but you could get same features and more with Chomecast as you say. A couple of years down the line your Smart TV won't run the latest versions required whereas a Chromecast can just be replaced.

Saying all that, nearly all decent TVs come with Smart TV and only the very basic models don't have this and they are also substandard in other ways (picture, sound and build quality). So think of it as paying €150-€200 more for a better TV - with the added bonus of Smart TV. If you do spend that you can make do with the inbuilt Smart features for now and only buy the Chromecast later, when the TVs smart features look outdated but the TV itself is still going strong.

Samsung TVs have the best smart features and I think they're very good for other reasons too, so I've one of those but, as I say don't be too swayed by the Smart features.

As an aside its shocking how poor Smart TV technology is compared to, say, mobile phone technology. Have a read of this which sums up my feelings perfectly: [broken link removed]

Are you buying online or in a shop? What prices have you seen?

Thanks for all of this. Seems the way to go is to get a smart tv not for its internet access but its general overall better features as a TV. I've seen google chromecast in currys PC World for €40- not really cheaper online

I have a chromecast (a gift) but since I am not subscribed to netflix and dont watch much you tube stuff its as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Its useless at browsing - and casting a tab from Chrome on your laptop doesnt work well at all. Cant remember when I used it last other than when I set it up.