What it is: This cube-like box connects to your high-definition TV (via HDMI) and the Internet (via wired or ) to provide Internet TV services (watching movies, TV shows and other content), as well as accessing your own photos, movies or videos. The hardware uses the Boxee media center software, which provides the application and user interface. Boxee software is also available for PC owners who want to access the Internet video services, and Boxee is looking to integrate software on other hardware boxes (TVs, set-top boxes, etc.).
The D-Link Boxee Box comes with a two-sided remote control (front and back). The front side has a play/pause button, 4-way navigation and a Select/Enter button. On the back side is a qwerty-style keyboard, which definitely helps when typing in information like log-in passwords and wireless network codes. If you own an iPod Touch or , you can turn it into a remote control for your Boxee with a free app download.
Why it's cool: Like other media center devices of this sort (the Roku box and AppleTV immediately come to mind), this box offers a way to view Internet TV services through your TV in high-definition instead of on a PC screen. The service also offers social network support, letting you link to Facebook and (as well as Tumblr, Google Buzz, and Flickr) for sharing purposes. If you have friends that are also using Boxee, you can tell them what you're watching and recommending, as well as see recommendations from them.
On the content side, the things you can watch are more niche programming that you'd find across the Internet (Revision3, Funny or Die, Joost, Blip.TV, etc.) Major content providers offer limited programming via RSS feeds (such as ABC, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, etc.). If you're already a fan of the Boxee PC application, moving to the Boxee Box makes sense.
Some caveats: Currently, the box doesn't support high-profile Internet TV services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU and VUDU 3, so the content currently available is limited. Especially movies -- it's hard to find a lot of current movies available for viewing. There are more TV shows available than movies, but again, it's limited by the services that the box supports.