Since before the MacWorld update I've been considering either buying an AppleTV or using an EyeTV on my iMac. (The problem for me is that my iMac is in the kitchen, 20 ft. away from the nearest coax.)
Now that the updates to AppleTV are out I'm still considering both options, but using a Mac Mini instead of the iMac. The way I've thought about it there are some pros and cons to either approach:
Apple TV:
My ideal usage would be a box that I could play DVD's on, rent DVD's on (a la the iTunes store), and use as a Tivo (without buying a Tivo). Going with the ATV seems to leave me out in the cold on the Tivo wish, and going with the Mini seems to leave me out in the cold with HD content.
My gut instinct tells me to get the Mini over the ATV but Apple's future looks like it's headed towards the ATV and my wifely unit will be harder to convince that a $700 purchase to watch TV and movies--which we currently do for free, though we gripe about the limitations of both--is worth it. Any other suggestions?
Now that the updates to AppleTV are out I'm still considering both options, but using a Mac Mini instead of the iMac. The way I've thought about it there are some pros and cons to either approach:
Apple TV:
- Pro: $229
- Pro: Can download HD rentals
- Pro: Automatic syncing w/ iTunes
- Pro: 802.11n
- Con: no tuner/DVR functionality
- Con: 40GB hard drive
- Con: no DVD drive
- Pro: tuner/DVR-like functions
- Pro: DVD drive
- Pro: actually a full networked computer running OS X
- Pro: 80GB hard drive
- Con: $750
- Con: 802.11g
- Con: no HD (iTunes) content
My ideal usage would be a box that I could play DVD's on, rent DVD's on (a la the iTunes store), and use as a Tivo (without buying a Tivo). Going with the ATV seems to leave me out in the cold on the Tivo wish, and going with the Mini seems to leave me out in the cold with HD content.
My gut instinct tells me to get the Mini over the ATV but Apple's future looks like it's headed towards the ATV and my wifely unit will be harder to convince that a $700 purchase to watch TV and movies--which we currently do for free, though we gripe about the limitations of both--is worth it. Any other suggestions?
tv rentals seem pretty good.
