Apple TV (1st Generation) 160GB

This device works great out of the box and plugging it in was a breeze but you need to have an iTunes account and you can only watch Apple-provided content or formated for Apple TV(you either bought it or received it in this format). This being the first generation, it was a kick-ass menu-driven device, smoother than my popcorn hour but less usable to my house-hold since I do not want to re-format our video collection to play on this device. This is perfect for someone with out any experience with AV hard drives or popcorn hour. The Youtube interface was quick over the built-in wireless (I have cable modem). It can interface with your existing iTunes account on a desktop or laptop and play that content if it is shared.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a solid 6, the dings being from proprietary video formats only.

Note: There are hacks available for this device that allow you to play other video formats and use other codecs. Some are pretty easy and found with a little searching. Remember, Google is your friend, sometimes.

Bought the older version because of its ability to store the movies on a hard disk. The 2nd generation version allows streaming but if you have a neighborhood (or home) with someone else doing online gaming, then streaming is a bad idea.

Only reason I cound't give this a 5 star rating is that I haven't figured out how to buy the movies directly from the Apple TV. I have to log into iTunes from my PC to do the purchase and that's an extra, uneeded step.

Otherwise, it sets up easy and works great!

I am satisfied and happy with this Apple 160GB, now I can store photos, music, rent and buy movies without my computer. I was thinking to get the 2nd generation but the idea of no having a steady streaming was the turning point. Not always the latest and graetest is the best. This is an example of it.

I am very satisfied with my Apple TV 160GB. Its great for getting my itunes upstairs near my receiver and the integration with iphoto is astounding. All of our family and friends can now easily view current photos together as opposed to letting them sit unviewed on my hardrive or cd. What I don't like is that I can not access my neflix account using this device.

These devices are very cool if you need them. I now have 2 in our home. I have had ipod docks and receivers that had on screen interfaces, but they were always clunky. Apple TV gives you access to all of your music and pictures and movies in a slick interface that works well in an AV setting. I am a fan!