So, because the AppleTV is not what you were looking for (a PVR), it sucks and is 'plain stupid'? Wow. That's simply great. I'm not an Apple 'zealot,' but I am a happy AppleTV owner. I was not looking for a PVR, I was looking for an "iPod for my TV" - which is what the AppleTV is. The AppleTV was never marketed as a PVR, makes no claims to being a PVR, and if someone is expecting a PVR-like device when they buy one, they clearly did not do their research. This may come as a shock, but I even knew it wouldn't replace my DVD player when I bought it.
For me, it's very useful:
* I put all the kids videos and music on it - they love having all their favorites in a simple menu, immediately accessible; and I like not having to worry about them scratching their DVD's and CD's all to hell.
* I sync our pictures to it - a process which could not get any simpler. It's much nicer to view our pictures on the 53" TV then on the 20" iMac, and easier to show a group of visitors.
* I watch iTMS video downloads on it. Again, the screen size is nicer, and it's easier for the family cuddle on the couch then on the office chair. I'm not going to hook up the computer to the TV, it's in a a different room.
* It's quiet, it's unobtrusive, it does exactly what it is designed to do very well, and it's very easy to use. The AppleTV offers me a level of convenience and ease of use that is unmatched by anything else I know of.
* I use it's ability to stream video podcasts off the net from time-to-time which delivers plenty of news, comedy, and current affairs for the amount of time I have. There's far more content on the iTMS store that I am interested in then I have time for.
Does the AppleTV do everything? No. Do I wish it did more? Maybe, a built-in DVD player would be 'nice,' but I already have a few of those, and I think it would be interesting if Apple put out an SDK which allowed people to make apps like on the iPhone. Does it fulfill my needs and expectations? Yes. Does this article support the theory that bloggers are not journalists? Yes.
The AppleTV is worth every penny I spent on it. It's plain smart. Sorry, Chris.
This article strikes me as factually deficient. The only relation between Apple and Pixar is that Steve Jobs owns stock and is CEO of both. The merger between Pixar and Disney initially has nothing to do with Apple. I find the implication that there is a direct relationship mildly disturbing...
Is Apple TV the Stupidest Apple Product Ever?
Pixar-Disney Merger Casts An Uncertain Spell