What the reviews missed

By now we've all read the reviews on the Apple TV, but they mostly focus on the big details: price, features, bottom line. Here are some of the finer points to Apple TV ownership that my wife and I experienced in the first few days.

1. Syncing Rocks

By now you've read that the Apple TV will automatically sync movies from your computer to your Apple TV. This is a feature I didn't know I cared about until I tried it. It's really kind of perfect: it syncs silently in the background, meaning the content is there when we want to watch. When we're done with a file, it auto-deletes from the Apple TV to free up space, although this feature can be turned off.

2. Multi-Pass Is Actually Pretty Cool

In the name of science, I decided to try out some of Apple's downloadable tv shows. I got The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, and each of them were only $10 for 16 episodes. Rather than split them into seasons, they give you the latest episode and automatically download the next 15 whenever they come available. The ease of use was expected, but the low price was a nice surprise.

3. OMG The Remote Is Really Tiny

We have lost the Apple TV remote at least once a day since we got the unit. It's the same remote that comes with all new Macs, but since it lives on the couch, it manages to get lost far more. This could be a problem.

4. Converting Files Is Annoying, But You Get Used To It

Much has been made of the Apple TV's inability to play most codecs. Fortunately, there are free applications for converting your files into Apple TV and iPod format. I use iSquint for the Mac, which allows me to drag video files into an app, hit a button, and a short time later, the files are ready to watch on the Apple TV. I look forward to a time when the Apple TV can support more codecs, but converting isn't too bad for now.

5. It's Small and Really Quiet

After a few days of constant use, I leaned down to see if I could hear any sound coming from the unit. I couldn't. I turned my tv off and tried again, and still couldn't hear anything. The Apple TV is quiet. Really quiet. (note: My wife informs me that her "bat ears" heard the device syncing once, but it just a minor hum.)

6. Podcasting Just Got a Shot in the Arm

Desperate for free content, I watched some podcasts that I'm used to watching on my iPod. Frankly, a lot of the amateur podcasts I can download for free is better than a lot of the actual shows on cable. Just like the iPod made me want to go out and buy music, the Apple TV's seamless podcasting makes me want to subscribe to more podcasts.

7. Watching Advertisements Has Never Been So Fun

All new Macs feature Front Row, which allows you to watch movie trailers. The same feature exists on the Apple TV, but it's better from a couch. Sarah and I spent about a half hour catching up on the latest trailers. Then we felt a little strange about wasting so much time actively seeking out ads.

Summary: Details Make a Good Product Better

The Apple TV does what it claims to with ease. Where it really shines is with all the little details. Movies don't endlessly rebuffer. The UI is drop-dead simple. As is often said about well-designed products, it just works.

Now Apple just needs to add a subscription service for movies, tv shows, and audio, and they'll have a real hit on their hands.