Apple Tv is pretty easy to use, not sure why you are having issues with it. I have a couple gen 1s, one at my office, which I use as a music server. Best music server I have ever used. We tried 3 different music servers before finding the ATV. Also, have a couple of the black units. One I put at my parents house, and they really like it.

The biggest issue I have seen, is the wireless is not as fast as being wired. They seem unstable over wifi.