ITNews

The other day I went to my local Apple retail store to test drive an Apple TV. I’m thinking about buying one, instead of a Blue-ray player. My goal was to see if I could live with 720P. Yea, I know 720P is a big step down from 1080P. But maybe it’s sufficient for movie watching.

I played with an Apple TV for awhile. When I successfully lassoed a “Genius” from behind the bar, after being ignored by the Concierge, I began asking questions about HD stuff. The dude said he didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. Some “Genius.” O.K., how about getting an HD trailer off iTunes? No can do, the dude said. Apple retail stores don’t have iTunes accounts. Give me a break!

Frustration was building. I remembered what I learned from Seneca, the Roman stoic philosopher, about how frustration and anger are futile. I went and played with an iPod touch for awhile, and soon returned to my normal calm self.

I’m disappointed with my local Apple retail store. At least Best Buy and Circuit City “techies” I’ve talked with about HD TV recently, knew about 720P, but not much more.

…John