10 great Apple TV gift ideas, part 1
You may think at first glance that—unlike the iPhone and iPod before it—the Apple TV is not a device you can accessorize. That’s not true. Depending on the setup and how it’s used, there are actually quite a few products available that will enhance the user experience.
With the giving season upon us, here are our recommendations for Apple TV hardware peripherals that would make great gifts for any household with a Siri Remote. In fact, we’ll start with the…
elago D Stand Charging Station – $24.99
Yes, the Siri Remote holds its charge for a very long time. So, why buy a charging station? Because if you have a charging station, you’re likely to use it. And if you use it, you’ll always know where your Siri Remote is!
Plus, it being a slightly raised Lightning connector, it’ll also work with your iPhone and iPod touch, case and all.
Apple TV Remote Stand – $15.00
If you like the idea of a remote stand but see no need to pay for the charger, Studio Neat offers a simple solution with the Apple TV Remote Stand. It comes in an elegant walnut with tung oil finish, and micro-suction will help keep the little guy attached to most flat surfaces.
Our only reservation is that if Apple for some reason alters the design of the Siri Remote, it may no longer fit. On the other hand, unlike with the Elago option, you have no fears of damaging the Lightning port if you accidentally knock it over.
Apple TV Station – $40.00 (on sale for $29 at press time)
Want something even more elegant? Take a look at the Apple TV Station from iSkelter…
Right? That’s a great way to keep your Apple TV and Siri Remote neatly organized on your desktop…provided you’re using a desktop. There certainly wouldn’t be room for this on my TV stand, where the Apple TV is hidden away on a bottom shelf. This unit can be purchased as separate pieces, too, and either option is made of eco-friendly bamboo.
“Okay Hiner,” you say, “enough with the stands and organizers! Don’t you have anything else to offer?” Yes, I do, so let’s go back to the…
SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Gaming Controller – $60.00 (on sale for $43.95 at press time)
I cannot stress this enough. A quality gaming controller can completely alter the way you use your Apple TV, as it makes available a slew of games you wouldn’t attempt to play on your Siri Remote.
It’s built extremely well, it’s comfortable to hold, it maintains a steady connection…read our review if you want to know more, or you can save yourself the time and just go buy it.
AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable – $6.99
You can spend more on an HDMI cable, and we’d support that; as Apple users, we’re used to spending more. The truth of the matter is that this HDMI A male to male cable gives you everything you need to effectively send that 4K signal from your Apple TV 4K to your 4K TV.
Amazon will have you know it, “meets the latest HDMI standards (4K Video at 60 Hz, 2160p, 48 bit/px color depth) that supports bandwidth up to 18Gbps and is backwards compatible with earlier versions.” And if 6 feet aren’t enough for you, it comes in lengths up to 50 feet.
Still not sure what to get? We’ve got five more suggestions ready for you over at 10 great Apple TV gift ideas, part 2.
About the Author
Kirk Hiner has been writing for the Apple web since 1997, having served as editor of Applelinks and the Technology Tell Apple Channel. In addition to his work with BEST Apple TV, Kirk currently contributes to Mac Gamer HQ and Pure Nintendo. He lives with his wife and three children in small-town Ohio where the land is cheap and the air is (relatively) clean.
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