12:59 PM
Pure Water
This review is from: MC572LL (NEWEST VERSION) (Electronics)
Let me preface this by disclosing that I'm an Apple fanboy, and have been for over a decade. I adore Apple products for both form and function, and so Apple is always my first choice for gadgetry.
I love this little box! I've been using it for about a week now, and am greatly enjoying the ability to stream media from my MacBook Pro and my iPhone. The interfaces for the iTunes Store, Netflix and YouTube are delightfully easy to navigate, and the Air Play ability has come in handy when I don't want to stop watching a movie but need to leave the room; switching the movie over to my iPhone screen is seamless. One beef about Netflix: occasionally I'll select a movie to stream, and I'll be told that Netflix isn't available right now. But I believe this to be a failing on the part of Netflix, not Apple, as I've encountered similar issues with my girlfriend's TiVO box and Netflix.
Form factor-wise, this device can't be beat. It's footprint in the entertainment center is minuscule, it is so small it can be placed anywhere. I will say that, due to its tiny size, the torque from its power cable or the HDMI cable can cause it to swivel or tilt during placement, but this is so minor it's not even really an issue.
The remote is exactly like the remote that came with my MacBook Pro for use with the Front Row feature; in fact, my Front Row remote controls the Apple TV MC572LL, as well. If you don't like the in-box remote and you have an iPhone or iPod touch, however, the Remote App is free, and is a great alternative. I've used both, and can't really decide which I prefer.
The reason I've given this device 4/5 stars is due to the UI. The user interface is easy to use and runs smoothly, but I can't help imagine what it would be like if it were app-based instead. Because it runs on a modified version of iOS, I believe an app-based UI could be in the Apple TV's future; if and when this happens, you can bet I'll be adding a fifth star to this review. It would also be nice if I could access Hulu or Amazon's streaming library from Apple TV MC572LL.
I recommend this product to anyone with the desire to stream media from their iTunes library, iPod Touch, or iPhone. And of course Netflix, Youtube, and several other online sources. If you're an Apple fan, you'll understand the convenience and aesthetic afforded by this little black box. If you're on the fence, do your research, but please consider this one of the top contenders.
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