Sort of a 2-step process. First thing I decided early on to get was an AppleTV.
I really have very little use for this, but I wanted it anyway. It allows me to rent or buy movies over the internet, including HD movies. (Only 720p, tho, and I was originally gonna wait for it to be upgraded to 1080.) Works really well, particularly since I have the bandwidth thru my FIOS service. Also holds all family photos and shows them in HD, an upgrade over the Tivo SD that I used to use for this. Plus, it holds my music. Also an upgrade, as I used to get occasional stalls when streaming music wirelessly from my computers.
Second step took some time to decide, but after getting the AppleTV, I made the decision pretty quickly. We have a Netflix account, which serves us quite well. The kids watch a lot of movies. But invariably, it seemed, any grown-up movie we’d get would be sent back unwatched. Lis and I just never seem to find the time. (Either I go to bed too early, or the kids go to bed too late.) So I tested a program called Handbrake (available on PC, too) that would rip DVDs directly for use by the AppleTV. One click, and you’re done. Only problem, on my 5 yr old laptop it took 20 hrs.
So I bought a new computer. The Mac Mini.
My main, 8 yr old computer is dying, making horrible noises, freezing, quitting apps, etc. And I really didn’t feel like trying to fix it. Plus I had recently moved it down to the desk in my bedroom, connected to a small LCD. The Mini will fit the desk much better than the old tower does.
So thanks again guys.
AppleTV: $300
MacMini: $680
Giants winning the Super Bowl: ……..well, you know.
And I thought we were “in” with our new 1080p HDTV!
A question, though…don’t you have to pay taxes on your winnings? I thought Vegas held taxes on any winnings over $1000. Hopefully I’m wrong…do you know????
NOW you mention it….
Well, I didn’t win over $1000, plus I didn’t give my SSN. So how could they?
I thought the winnings were $1025? Maybe the $25 purchase price is not included as winnings. The back of the ticket should have explained that…but if there were no instructions for you to give your SSN you should be OK (I hope).