Re:Stupidest troll EVER from Cringley (Score 1)

While I find Cringley thought provoking, even when pushing the outer limits, I agree with you that the utility of the HD is obvious. Cringley is focused on being able to stream from a system running iTunes. In that case the HD isn't needed. However, Apple sells more portables than desktops and sees the trend continuing. One member of the household might want to watch a video when the laptop is on the road.

Cringely is on to something with Apple being able to deploy p2p at will. Other poster's are correct that iTunes is an even more viable platform than AppleTV. (Apple could do both of course.) Think of an opt in system that provides discounts or store credit for providing bandwidth. Would people opt in if they could earn a free song every month or week for bandwidth while they sleep? I would.

iTunes has become more than a program and is now a full blown platform. Apple can change the rules of any number of games by simply releasing a new version of iTunes and ITMS.