So, could I use this to stream stuff off my laptop HDD like movies?
Apparently all you have to do is paste the address of your local file in the chrome browser.
Probably just depends on file type as to whether Chrome can open it. I tried a few and got my mp4 to play in Chrome but not avi's.
I won't get my Chromecast until next week, but I'm installing the app on my PC now. It says it requires an wifi connection. Is there anyway I can use my PC which is hardwired to my wireless router without buying a wifi adapter (basically I don't want to have to buy a wifi adapter to connect to the router I'm already physically connected to).
I have other options if the PC can't be used without buying other hardware (ipads, phones, laptop).
Websites being able to block it isn't too big of a deal, I'm more interested in apps that can utilize it. 720p isn't too bad either considering it's only $35. That's not much of a downside. As far as I know it only needs power if you don't have the HDMI port that supports powering it. That's not different from the Roku stick (though can you even externally power the Roku stick?)
Apparently if your TV has the newer HDMI 1.4 port it delivers enough power to it. If not then you need either USB power or Power cable.
I put a post up on the Linksys forum to see if anybody has had luck connecting with my router. I couldn't find any Google Chromecast support forum to do the same.