I first came to use the plastic version of the Apple remote when i purchased my first MacBook around 6 years ago. The item came free with all MacBooks and was primarily designed to be used to access any media content in itunes and pictures folder when you are not sat right infront of the device. These are now no longer supplied free when you purchase a laptop or iMac but instead have to be purchased separately.

However, when you buy an Apple TV you now receive the latest brushed aluminium version that is a similar design ethos to apples other unibody devices. This is supplied with the Apple TV as it is the only way, unless you use the iTunes remote app on your iPad or iPhone, to control the features on the device as there are no exterior buttons.

The remote comprises of a menu, play/pause, direction buttons based on a circular outer button that has a "enter" button in the centre.

The remote itself has good range and in my experience you dont need to be sat directly infront of the sensor in order to interact with the device. Battery life is also exemplary, I have owned the original plastic remote for 6 years and have never changed the battery.

The remote cant be used with any other devices other than Apple computers and the Apple TV.

Not much more can be said about this nifty little extra, but for the limited applications it has it works a treat.