Would a Chromecast be of any benefit if I already own these Smart TVs?
What else could I use it for in conjunction with my smart TV?
eg : Samsung UA32H5500 32 inch 81cm Full HD Smart 100 Hz LED LCD TV
Sony 48inch FHD LED LCD Smart 50Hz TV KDL48W600B
Do you only cast certain programs ie youtube to the TV or can you use it to use your TV as the laptop's screen? （ie use it the same manner as a HDMI cable)?
Actually, I've only used it with the browser open, and it will display anything from the browser. One difference to a cable is that when you want to look at a different tab in the browser you have to click on the Chromecast icon and then click "display this tab". This is a worthwhile extra step because it allows you to view a different tab on the laptop while watching something different on the screen.
I see, I've been using that function too "cast this tab to TV", I was wondering if it's possible to do a mirroring of whatever your laptop's showing on TV, but I guess cable is the only option at the moment.
Smart tvs are dumb
I don't find the chromecast very useful… a hdmi cable do pretty much a similar job connecting the laptop to the TV (Not phone tho).
If it doesn't have PLEX then yes
Samsung's AllShare used to work with my Samsung phone, but stopped since they renamed and and revamped it (and obviously broke it) and the AllShare part on the TV is not compatible with any of the standard Android Screen Cast so none of my other Android devices work with it. So in my opinion, YES is is absolutely worth the $33 you can pick it up for.
HOWEVER
I MUCH prefer my WDTV Live which I picked up from about $75 delivered. Has it's own remote, is heaps faster, natively works with ALL file formats I've tried, and not at all tied to Google's rules, also has a heap of on-line apps for YouTube, NBA etc. the usual suspects.
I think it's a better unit but you have not at all explained what you intend to do so this is all pretty open ended discussion.
My brothers 50" sony "smart" tv doesn't even have a web browser.
I certainly wouldn't call them smart at all.
Have you ever used the samsung smart tv app? It's terrible
I brought one when they first arrived in Australia, have only used it a few times! I find the smart tv functions on my TV much more useful. The lack of browser and apps built into the chromecast makes it annoying! its reliant on another app or system running. I.e. you need youtube open on your phone or laptop to be displaying on the chromecast. I would buy another Apple TV next time, as it has youtube and other apps built in.But that's just my opinion. It appear to be what some people are after. Based of my experience owning a chromecast, apple tv and sony smart TV
Where it the poll lol
My Answer YES!!
I use the Chromecast to make my 55 UHD TV a big screen for my laptop. It is much more convenient for looking at laptop content with other people. And it is much easier to drive a laptop than the Smart TV.