I wasn't sure what to make of the Apple TV, which was released earlier this year and, after two weeks of playing with the device, I'm still on the fence about it.
On the surface, its a smart addition for people who have chosen to bypass cable and sattellite but still want to catch up on certain programs -- something it does very well.
Unfortunately, though, the reincarnation of this device still leaves a lot to be desired, epecially when it comes to content. The good news is any of the flaws I mention are easily corrected with something as small as a software update.
Apple CEO has referred to the Apple TV as a "hobby," and he might be right. Still, the possibilities that lie in the future make the $99 investment a smart option, especially for those with a full house of Apple products.
First impressions: This tiny little black box -- roughly a quarter of the size of its predecessor -- comes at a surprising price by Apple Standards. Like most Apple products, the ATV is quite simple to use; simply attach an HDMI cable from your HDTV, plug in the power cable and you're good to go.
Unlike the previous incarnation of the Apple TV, you can't purchase and download content. You still use iTunes, but instead rent the movie or television show you wish to watch, which is then available for up to 30 days and for 48 hours after you begin viewing.
The rental prices aren't bad at all, but not being able to download is something of a small letdown. However, by downloading content on your computer, you can push the content to your Apple TV. The same can be accomplished with your iPhone or iPhone Touch, using the AirPlay feature included in iOS 4.2.
Aside from iTunes, the biggest feature on the Apple TV is the ability to access your Netflix account, but as a new user, I'll admit I was less-than-impressed with the offerings there, either. If you're already a frequent user of the online version of Netflix, then Apple TV is a good investment.
This is where another major omission has to be mention: there's no Web browser, so no way to watch online content on network Web sites or on popular streaming sites like Hulu.com. This, to me, is big. Most people who have cut the cord with their cable company and watch TV online do so with these sites. Including access would make the Apple TV much, much more practical.
Ideally, the Apple TV should not be treated as a stand-alone device, as it's fairly limited in that capacity. But for somebody already immersed in Steve Jobs' world of toys, the Apple TV is a very affordable accessory to your iPad, iPod, iPhone and Mac.
Pros
- Good price point
- Small size and easy-to-use interface.
- Easy installation/set up
- Ethernet/WiFi connectivity
- Quick connection speed
Cons
- No option to purchase/download content
- No Web browser
- Unable to access Hulu
- Limited selection of content
Final verdict
In reality, the Apple TV does little that your entertainment computer or gaming console already does, without the ability to play Blue-Ray discs like the PS3 or Xbox 360. Still, for those who don't play video games or care about Blue Ray -- especially those with a significant amount of iTunes media – will find the price right and the Apple TV to be a welcome addition to their existing Apple-based technology ecosystem.
Ultimately, this is a well-designed machine with some glaring shortcomings -- but shortcomings that can easily be fixed in the future with simple software update as opposed to a complete redesign.
