Google’s Chromecast already a hit? It sells out on Amazon, Best Buy
If you’re thinking of getting Google’s $35 Chromecast device, you better get it now because it is selling fast.
Google’s tiny digital TV receiver appears to be a hit with consumers -- it has sold out on Amazon.com and Best Buy’s online store less than 24 hours after going on sale. As of mid-morning, it was still available at the Google Play store and at some Best Buy stores.
Chromecast is a device that resembles a USB jump drive. Users can attach it to the HDMI input on their TV and use their smartphones, tablets or laptops to dictate what videos or music they want to watch on their big screen. For now, Chromecast can play content from Google Play, YouTube, Netflix and Google Music. Pandora is coming soon.
But what truly has made Chromecast appealing is its $35 price tag. That’s a little more than one third of the price of its main rival, the $99 Apple TV. Add in Chromecast’s free three-month subscription to Netflix, a value of about $24, and it’s easy to see why customers are snatching it up.
If you want to pick up the Google gadget, Google Play is still selling the device. Unfortunately, though, you’ll have to wait three to four weeks before it will ship to you.
For a shorter wait time, you might also try EBay. There, several dozen users have listed Chromecast for sale and say the device could arrive to buyers by early next week. The price on EBay, though, can get pretty high. Some auctions, like this one, have already hiked the price beyond $100.
Another spot selling the Chromecast is Best Buy’s retail stores. A spokesman for the company said all Best Buy stores should have the Google device in stock by Sunday.
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