New Apple TV device as a Plug Computer ($99)

[ram]

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipod/family/apple_tv

The device looks really cool.

It has
Ethernet port
USB
802.11n Wi-Fi.

will be shipped in a few weeks...

[birdman]

The device looks really cool.

But it's Apple.  So everything you can do with it will be controlled by Apple.

A bit like buying a Ford car and the finding you can only drive along Ford-approved roads and fill-up in Ford service stations.  And if you do try to drive/fill-up where you want to you may find them suing you or remotely disabling your car.

[guidol]

The device looks really cool.

But it has the Apple-ARM A4 CPU which isnt supported via opensource and only one
USB-Port... if you couldnt activate the other hardware via drivers.

And how much RAM has this device to use another Operating System...with the AppleOS
you wouldnt have much fun with this device.

[mgillespie]

It's £99 in the UK, and for £199 I can get a PS3 that does all the same stuff and a tonne of other stuff two.  I also don't have to deal with Apples corrupt business practices and lousy build quality.

[boydeadhungry]

You can buy a device from KWorld with the same functions with half the price.