14 DAY TRIAL // Rumors about Apple TVs not shipping in time emerged last week when ThinkSecret sources stated the devices were to hit stores later than expected, at the beginning of March. Apple stated yesterday that there is no need for concern, the rumors being untrue. An Apple Store sales representative confirmed pre-orders will arrive as scheduled, but they might not reach consumers until March, warned the salesman.
The Apple TV set-top device was first announced at a dedicated media event in September, last year. The company started accepting pre-orders in January, when this year's Macworld Expo took place. Jobs then stated the Apple TVs will ship in February. Until now, buyers have not reported any change in their orders status, suggesting that shipment will take place as planned.
The Apple TV device was previously code-named iTV. The company is selling it for $299 and orders were to arrive before the end of February. Apple TV is a set-top box that will allow media digital content to be streamed from any machine capable of running streamed media via iTunes onto an enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TV. It uses high-definition multimedia interface and has wireless networking capabilities. The device will be compatible with both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
Technical specifications for the device: 1Gz Intel Pentium-M "Crofton" Processor, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 (64 MB VRAM), 256 MB of 400 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 40 GB hard disk space, IrDA Receiver, 720p HDMI audio and video output, built-in universal 48W power supply. Connectivity is by USB 2.0. It's 7.7x7.7x1.1 inch big (197x197x28 mm).
Voices say this new device will be a success, and if you're a soon-to-be Apple TV owner, please let us know how it works and how you feel about it.