Apple suggests you shop at them for Father's day. We suggest the Apple TV.

May 21, 2008 07:35 GMT  ·  By

Some may know, while others may not, that June 15 is Father's Day. If you were among the quick-acting folks when Apple announced discounts for photo books to give your mother as a present, why not shop at Apple this time around too? Dad would just love an Apple TV. In fact, anyone would.

Apple's website doesn't say anything about discounts, though. This time around, Apple is only offering guidance, telling you what your Dad would love most. They can lend a helping hand, I'll give them that, but surely you know best what your Dad is into. Still, nothing can beat the Apple TV as a gift.

The Apple TV is something you don't decide to raise money for and buy. The iPhone, yes. An iMac, sure. But you can't get your brain to decide whether you actually need Apple's digital media receiver, even more when you already have a TV set with cable TV. Even its name, "Apple TV," works against it. BUT, if you get one as a present... that's a different matter altogether.

As the Cupertino folks themselves put it, "Apple TV turns Dad's living room into an on-demand movie theater, with endless options available at the click of a button. This powerfully simple device lets Dad rent HD movies, buy TV shows and music, view YouTube videos, and watch photo slideshows - all on his widescreen TV." Now, tell me there's a Dad out there who doesn't want this.

Does Dad get mad when his favorite TV shows are interrupted by commercials? Does he miss YouTube when there's nothing on TV, but he's too lazy do get up and turn on the computer? These are just a few of the reasons why the Apple TV would make a great choice as a Father's Day gift. Of course, we're not dropping any hints. Apple is.

NOTE - Make sure Dad's got a widescreen (16 x 9) enhanced-definition or high-definition television with an HDMI, DVI, or component video input port, so he can use the set-top-box properly. Also, a wired or wireless network would help so he can actually get the content up on the Apple TV's hard drive. An iTunes Store account and a broadband Internet connection is all he needs from there on.