Google Hub vs Wall Mounted Tablet

Hardware
1

Hey guys,

I’ve just seen a really good deal on a Google Hub and a Chromecast (€99) so considering it since I’ve been meaning to get a chromecast anyway and with 60 more I can basically get a hub too. At the same time I’m wondering if perhaps a wall mounted tablet is a better alternative in terms of available capabilities so it’s not worth spending money on the hub even if the offer is good.

At the same time the shop has some other offers on Home Minis too. So also wondering if it’s worth getting like 3 home minis instead which is also basically the same price as the hub + chromecast.

That way could facilitate sort of whole house music plus announcements etc

So far I have the following in mind (correct me if I’m wrong)

Google Hub
:ballot_box_with_check: Easy set up - just place it somewhere
:ballot_box_with_check: Can cast easily most cards
:ballot_box_with_check: in parallel use the speaker for Music.
:negative_squared_cross_mark: been seeing some people complain about casting issues
:negative_squared_cross_mark: Don’t think you can play custom mp3 files on the hub

Wall Mounted Tablet
:ballot_box_with_check: Sky is the limit. So many possibilities. So many dashboards
:ballot_box_with_check: Can use browser_mod to play anything from HA stored mp3 files to radios etc
:ballot_box_with_check: Potentially cheaper if you get a decent tablet on sale or use an old one you currently have
:negative_squared_cross_mark: More time consuming to set up on the wall and make a cover etc

What do people think? Anyone who has tried both or either and can offer their two cents?

Or do I go for the complete other route and take advantage of the offer for the google minis? I was told it’s much easier to play custom mp3 files on those vs e…g Echos where Amazon has really strict requirements for where mp3 files are hosted?

2

You can actually play custom mp3 / text speech on the Google Nest Hub as it is seen as a cast device.

Also, you can also control HA from the hub if you have integrated HA and Google Assistant.

So personally, for the ease is of use the Google Nest Hub is great. I have one and have been very happy so far. But it does come with limitation, especially if you want to access HA interface from the Hub Display. With latest Hub firmware, casted content (I.e. Lovelace HA webpage) would only last 10min.

If you want mainly to use HA interface to check status etc, when a tablet would be better.

3

well depends on the rest of your set up.
If you already have “assistants” (google, echo) around the house then maybe the hub is ok.
but if you dont; better to get more coverage with some minis.