Google TV's first set-top box

Google TV’s set-top box from Logitech is now available for preorder, and if you want to fork over $299, it looks pretty nice! Nicer than just connecting your computer to your television? Well…not quite. But still! Nice!

Logitech’s Revue Google TV box comes with a full QWERTY keyboard, but you can also control it with your iPhone or Android smartphone. (Fun.) Ultimately, though, the hardware matters less than the software: Is Google TV compelling enough, versus, say, Apple TV ($99) or Boxee’s upcoming set-top box ($199), to make the added expense worth it? I’m not convinced yet. For $299, buy an Xbox and watch Netflix through that. I hear you can also play games on it.