The Pacer

Issue date: 1/30/07 Section: Technology

With all the fuss over Apple's iPhone this MacWorld Expo, many have forgotten all about another of Apple's latest toys: AppleTV.

Unlike most of Apples products of late, AppleTV is nothing revolutionary. Similar products already exist, allowing users to sync or stream their PC content with their TV and entertainment system. That's not to say that AppleTV is a waste - it does have a few things working for it.

For one, it is designed to work specifically with iTunes (from a Windows or Mac platform). AppleTV will automatically update itself wirelessly via an 802.11 connection. Also, it will work with up to 5 other computers so your friends can come over to show you the latest episode of "24" they just downloaded.

As can be expected, the AppleTV is thin, sleek and stylish. It is graced by the same intuitive design ideals that are the bread and butter of Apple. The 7.7 inch by 7.7 inch AppleTV has a built in power supply, so there's no bulky power supply to add to the sizable clutter already occupying the space behind your TV. The remote control is elegantly simple and should make navigating the menus a breeze to anyone familiar with the menu system of the iPod.

The actual technical specifications, while somewhat impressive for the size and price of the unit, won't be turning many heads. Regular usage should be nothing it can't handle, but many wonder how it will handle something like 1080 HD.

For $299, it's not a terrible price for what it does. It looks great, it's easy to use and it can make your entertainment center do things it never did before, all within a few clicks of a stylish remote.

However, there's nothing spectacular about it, especially if you don't have many videos (or any at all) on iTunes. If you do, and you have an entertainment center worthy of dropping $299 to improve, then pick up an AppleTV. Otherwise, you'll probably live without it.

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