Disclaimer: I have an Apple TV.

I got into some discussions this week about the new Roku box from NetFlix. It is basically a $99 solution to watching NetFlix on your TV.

My counterpoint to those who are lined up to buy it is this; would you pay $130 for an upgrade that presented you with a similar device that could; play Youtube videos, stream video content from your computer to the TV, stream audio to your home stereo, store TV shows and movies, and allow you to watch HD previews, stream flickr photos from your own photos and friends?

Then why not buy an Apple TV? No monthly fee, tons of great rentals, lots of HD content, and a centralized streaming system for your audio and video content in your home.

There are tons of great hacks for Apple TV (read: will most likely void your warrant) and rumors and speculation that a keyboard and mouse will soon be coming out for browser and chat functionality built in.

I have never been much of a Mac fanboy but I must say that Apple TV is the Newton of my generation.