Pick up the old one for cheap, load aTV Flash software onto it so you can hook up an external hard drive, watch netflix, load your library onto it etc.

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The new out the box Apple Tv is streaming only which you can just do on your computer for free anyways.

 

Does the laptop with itunes have to be physically connected to the apple tv and running? Sorry, I'm clueless about this device.

I went over to friend of a friend's house the other day and he had pictures playing with music in the background on the TV. I thought it would be great for parties. It was even cooler that he was using his iphone to control it.

 

It all works through your wi-fi network. Just connect both your computers and apple tv to the same network and turn on home-sharing on both and you're good to go.

Your friend was either using airplay or the remote app which lets you control everything without having to go back to your computer.

Airplay is streaming straight from your iPhone to the apple tv without a computer. Remote is exactly what it sounds like, controlling your computer streaming from your iPhone.

 

The AppleTV is awesome, as everyone else has said. I don't own one, but set one up for a customer and she has been very happy with it. It's an easy way to tie all of your media together and it works well with the iPhone and iPad.

I would buy one of these if I didn't already have a media center PC.

Have you tried yours out with a keyboard? How is the web browsing on it?

 

have an older one; absolutely love it. Will be picking up the new $99 one shortly

 

We have one in the bedroom and one in the living room. It is a MUST have.

 

So I got it and I love it! Coupled with the remote for my iPhone - it takes entertaining to a whole new level.


I really love the slideshow feature. Question - do macs come with the same program that will create a slideshow? I'm thinking of a slideshow playing in the background during cocktail hour at my wedding. I don't want to lug a computer and the apple tv down to the wedding. Never had a MacBook but need a new laptop anyways.

 

iPhoto will create a slideshow for you, and it comes on all new macs.

 

The lady & I are doing the same thing for our wedding. We will be using airplay over an Apple TV combined with her MB Pro and a projector to push music and photos onto a wall. Pretty excited! Who needs a DJ when you can have your Mac do it all?

 

Bought an apple tv a couple weeks ago. Love it. Netflix is awesome with it and so is the streaming.