Features, settings & updates

[Lagil]

I'm looking at buying a Roku for my 84 year old mother to use. I'm tempted to just get her the cheapest model, the Roku Express, since her 15(?) year old TV doesn't get 4K resolution and the fewer buttons on the remote the better (she's not very tech savvy). She doesn't need a device with a ton of memory, since she likely will only use a few apps.

Looking at the comparison chart, the only possibly relevant feature that the other models have that the Roku Express doesn't is "Fast App Launch," but I don't know how much of a difference that makes. Is it worth paying more for just that one feature? Does the Roku Express really launch that noticeably more slowly than the the two next least expensive models do (the stick and the 4K+)?

Thanks for any quick responses...hoping to make my purchase before the Black Friday sales end!

[AvsGunnar]

@Lagil 

I think very few here would recommend the basic Express (HD) model to anyone.  All Express (HD) models come with a basic remote (no TV controls) and any model number other than the Express 3960 will be single-band 2.4ghz only that some cable ISP users may have issues with without adjucsting their router settings.  The 3960 is at least dual-band so does avoid this issue, but still has the basic remote.

The Roku Express 4k+ (3941) will come with a better remote (one that has both Voice control and TV controls to control power and volume/mute).

As for the Fast App Launch, I am not sure if you are talking about the feature that is available to users that have the Voice Remote Pro v1 and v2 remotes.  Those have programmable shortcut buttons that can quickly launch an app.  These remotes are included with the Roku Ultra devices (and some Roku-branded RokuTVs) but are also available for seperate purchase that can be used with Roku devices. 

https://www.roku.com/products/accessories

Of the two versions, the Voice Remote Pro v1 may be easier to use with the 1 & 2 keys which directly launches the app, whereas the v2 pops up a menu the user has to select the appropriate app.  V2 is also a backlit remote.

Although may seem like overkill, Walmart is currently running a deal on the Roku Ultra LT (Walmart-exclusive) for $34 right now that is certainly worth considering as an option also.