With the Apple TV finally shipping, the first review has appeared, and the criticism centre around what the Apple TV won’t do, rather than what it can’t do. That’s to say, the things Apple has prevented it from doing; things it might theoretically be able to do if the claim that it’s running a version of OS X are true.

I expect to see it hacked, pretty soon, and a spate of “Linux on the aTV” articles; but for now you can only use it for what it’s specified for. But you can already buy a Mac Mini, which, albeit for twice the price is upgradable. You can make it do what you want, not just what Apple tell you you want, often simply but adding a Quicktime plugin.

It also comes with a DVD player and a beefier processor, but is it better value? I think it is, unless and until Apple unlock the aTV.