apple tv or mac mini?

[Rick-o]

silvarios wrote:
If she doesn't have computer access, how would your mom set up an iTunes account (if she wanted access to the iTunes Store) and does she even have internet access?

I must be missing some piece of the puzzle.


Nathan

I agree that an internet connection would enable many more features of the Apple TV, but I believe edgarbc1 said it would be for home movies and music which he could easily preload with content so his mother could use it as a standalone unit.

Even the 40GB model will hold a bunch of video, music, and pics.

My vote is for the Apple TV.

[edgarbc1]

Rick-o wrote:
[quote=silvarios]
If she doesn't have computer access, how would your mom set up an iTunes account (if she wanted access to the iTunes Store) and does she even have internet access?

I must be missing some piece of the puzzle.


Nathan

I agree that an internet connection would enable many more features of the Apple TV, but I believe edgarbc1 said it would be for home movies and music which he could easily preload with content so his mother could use it as a standalone unit.

Even the 40GB model will hold a bunch of video, music, and pics.

My vote is for the Apple TV.

yes this is the case...
i would use my itunes account and set it up at my place..
do registration, add home movies and music
mom would use the stand alone box and i would leave
the ibook there for my own access or bring it from my place
over if there are issues or updates which are needed.

she has little interest in going iTunes shopping or renting...
its mostly for home movies, photos and her existing music collection.

[dk62]

For stated purpose, a lot of the modern equipment components will play media files from a USB stick (unless DRM'd).

[silvarios]

Oh, I get it. You are going to preload everything. Pretty good idea. I would get the AppleTV or something similar with internal storage.

[guitarist]

A pre-loaded Apple TV is an interesting workaround. It would make sense in the long run only if there's a convenient way to periodically add new material. It's like getting an iPod with music on it, and the only music it will ever play is what came on it. No new photos, no new movies or TV shows, or music. Only what is "pre-loaded".

It is possible to update it, obviously, but it will require physically unplugging it, taking it to your house, and updating every few months, or a few times a year, it to include new content. And do the routine software updates.

If you don't mind running it back and forth in your car a few times a year, or bringing your laptop over and updating it manually, it sounds like a quirky but workable arrangement.

[dk62]

An iPod would be the best solution, if she would find other uses for it.