Apple TV doesn't necessarily have anything to do with streaming from the Internet. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you want Apple TV. You can send nearly any streaming content from the iOS device to the Apple TV, mirror your screen, etc.
I'd skip the laptop, myself. I seldom if ever send anything to the TV from my Macs. But, then, they are in my office. If you needed a laptop anyway, fine. Just don't include it in your entertainment system budget, LOL.
(I think I only did it once. A friend was staying over and sleeping on the couch - till way past noon! I went in the office, got on iTunes, and purchased the classic, "Lazy Bones" by Paul Robson. Blasted it.)
I have Cox Internet. My experience is 180 degrees from yours. Just get a reliable Internet provider.
For streaming, you don't need the Apple TV, for sure. You most likely can get Netflix, for example, on your TV, and the Samsung Blurays have it as well. Most high-end TVs and many receivers can stream from a DLNA server, as well, though it's generally awkward. (On-screen interface.)
If you have guests, there is always somebody who wants to play DJ, and wants to play *their* songs through their tinny little speakers. Let them Airplay to your Apple TV so at least you don't have to listen to that squawking. Then let the guests battle it out over control.