re: Apple TV Reviews.

quote:

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If you already have an iPhone/iPad and MacBook pro, get an Apple TV. Well worth it. If not, go roku.
With the iPhone/iPad i can control, mirror, etc. with my MacBook open I can access anything on iTunes and mirror.

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Little more to it than this:
If the majority of your local content is hosted by any non-iTunes service (like Plex), that's a -1 for AppleTV
If wirelessly displaying your device on your TV is a plus rather than a novelty that will lose effect, it's a +1 for the AppleTV. But if viewing your device's screen on a tv wirelessly isn't important, you're not doing any better than with another device. Further, depending on your desired subscription content, one may be better than the other. For instance, AppleTV doesn't natively support Amazon instant video. You will have to use your mobile device or laptop to view those movies on your TV. This can be accomplished much cheaper with, say, an Amazon Firetv Stick or Roku, both of which have remotes and don't require a mobile device to work.


By all means, I'm not trying to knock the AppleTV. I have one and use it frequently. It's a fine device, but there are plenty of alternatives.


Another interesting thing to try is HDMI from any computer into your TV (may require an adapter or adapter cable. You're looking at about $5-15, depending on your hookups). If mirroring is a cool thing you want to add, AirServer for $15. It works with android, windows, and iOS devices and is free to try for 7 days. So, there are a handful of ways to control both PCs and Macs (even Linux boxes) from afar. If you set a laptop that you already own to receive these and remain "always on" while plugged in, add in an hdmi cable, you've got the most functional device possible for streaming content, and you've cost yourself the hdmi cable and maybe an adapter. Toss in something like AirServer, and aside from plugging/unplugging the laptop (if there isn't an extra/old one lying around), you're far better off than any set top box would allow you to be.


Just some considerations.