Roku vs. Apple TV
November 26th, 2010, 11:58pm by Jake
So I think I’m going to buy one of these for mom. She likes Netflix, so that’s the primary use. Google TV just offers up a browser as an extra, which doesn’t seem worth it at this point. And the TiVo is just overkill. So it’s down to this. Which is the better product for watching Netflix? And which has better Extras– iTunes is nice for the Apple TV, whereas the Roku is more kitchen sink oriented. Anyone use either extensively?
November 27th, 2010 at 9:13 am
If you’re looking for a Netflix streamer, there are other options, too, like a bunch of DVD players or that Western Digital box. If I were choosing for my mom, I’d shop 100% for the UI. Haven’t seen the UI for any of those except AppleTV. Are they any good?
November 27th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
The UI is painfully slow on both my DVD player and Steph’s original Roku. The wii is not bad, but there’s no HD support and she’d have to get used to waving-the-remote-around thing.
Unless she’d take advantage of some of the Roku’s other apps, I’d go for the AppleTV. Seems custom-built for this type of thing. And don’t forget, both have Flickr!
November 27th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
So far that’s 2 votes for the Apple TV, http://gdgt.com/discuss/hey-all-im-going-buy-either-roku-bd1/ one on gdgt and one on pslnt.
November 29th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Let’s face it, smartphones aside, if there’s any company that makes products suitable *for moms,* it’s going to be Apple. We all know though that it’s Palm who makes the Smartphone smart enough for mom, though :).
November 29th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
it is done. Apple TV, will set it up tomorrow.