Cutting the cord and going to Vue, questions about Roku / TCL LCD TVs

I've had it with Comcast and am moving to Vue. I have a PS4 which will cover my main TV, but I am looking for ideas to replace the cable boxes in my bedrooms. I have a VERY old TV that does not have a HDMI input, so I going to trash that.

I am looking at this TCL 28" LCD TV with a built in Roku player (https://www.amazon.com/TCL-28S3750-28-Inch-Smart-Model/dp/B013F9SSSS/ref=sr_1_7?s=tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1472510455&sr=1-7&keywords=roku+tv). Does anyone this or larger models? Here are my questions:

1. How is the USB player on it? I can't figure out if it is on the side of the TV or back. I have a lot of content in MP4 and want to play it on the TV, will this be a good choice? Can I have the TV shuffle videos in a folder, for instance?

2. This might be more of a Vue question, but is there an iOS app to use as a remote for either Roku/Vue instead of using the remote that comes with the TV to change channels or movies?

3. I've thought about buying a Roku stick instead but when I look at the cost of a new TV and the stick, it is close to the cost of this TV. Have you put together an inexpensive Roku solution and care to share your experience?

I think that is it for now, thanks!