AppleTV has been available for quite some time now globally. It is a pretty nice device whose pros, cons and hacks have been discussed by many sites. I would suggest that you head over to Engadget of you want to read everything about the AppleTV.

Just as a quick recap (so that we can flow into my point more easy, without the need for you to do much research):
The good:
* out of the box 802.11n
* hard drive to store some content
* you can view your iTunes movie purchases
* you can view your iTunes television show purchases
* you can view your iPhoto photo rolls
* you can listen to your downloaded podcasts and vidcasts
* you can listen to your iTunes music (both purchased, and ripped)
* you don't need a ginormous Media Center PC in your living room!

The Bad:
* no way to import your own DVD movies or shows (like you can with your music).
* only US customers can buy movies and shows on iTunes, no one else (not even Canadians!!!) so you are limited to music, podcasts and photos on Apple TV if you live abroad.
* no way to play your homemade movies.


Now, thinking about my usage and purchasing habits I would most likely not buy an AppleTV because I simply don't buy shows from Apple. I see what I want on TV, and if I miss something I go on the network's website and watch a streaming version - I hook up my PowerBook to my TV and watch shows to my heart's content, and it's all legal! (although sometimes choppy). *DING* *DING* *DING* !!! IDEA! Here is how to improve the AppleTV (probably won't happen, but I feel like I have to voice my opinion):

Idea #1: Network Integration
ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW, Comedy Central and other networks offer recent episodes of their hit shows online, for free, streaming over the internet. Yes, before you call me a boofoon, I understand the risk of cutting into Apple's business sales on iTunes, however the networks already run this risk by offering the shows for free on their websites! At least if recent episodes are offered on AppleTV (though the networks) for free, there is opportunity for exposure and the ability to spark interest to buy the previous episodes that won't be available, or buy that particular episode because at that point in time the network traffic might be too high and therefore the streaming might be choppy. Some might say that this is an incentive to make streaming be bad quality and choppy, but hey - you can't please everyone.

Idea #2: Rip your own!
This has been mentioned before in the past by others, but I should echo the sentiment. I have a DVD library. I don't want to repurchase the movie or TV show. I want to rip my own and use it on the apple TV. Support for Dvix and other formats would be nice so that I can rip my own DVD and/or provide me with a free utility to rip my DVDs in the MPG4 format that Apple uses.

Idea #3: Streaming and FM Radio.
I don't know how many people listen to FM these days, but since the Radio Shark is selling, people are listening! How about supporting both live radio (FM) and streaming radio. iTunes already supports streaming, so why not have such an ability in AppleTV?

Idea #4: YouTube and IP TV
It would be interesting to have Integration of youTube (at least browsing because searching could be an issue without a keyboard!) and "IP TV" that is freely available on the internet. Media Central offers both services and I find that being able to see television from other counties and youtube clips is pretty useful.

Idea #5: New Media!
It would be interesting to have a built in web 2.0 social media readers such as: RSS feed reader, a flickr photo stream integration, and iPhoto RSS reader, just as a few examples. Obviously Apple might not want to maintain so many relationships and applications, but what about making these web 2.0 social media integration apps as downloadable widgets for the AppleTV? People can write the application, but only if it gets Apple's seal of approval can it be downloaded from Apple's download service on the AppleTV (or in iTUnes and then synched to the AppleTV)


just a few ideas!