Hands on with D-Link’s Boxee Box (and remote)

I spent some time with Boxee CEO Avner Ronen tonight and their first dedicated hardware solution. Which is produced by D-Link and should ship sometime in the next few months for under $200. (I’ll guess $199.) The unit looks more sophisticated and sexy than the fine renders we saw last month with a polished front face, that was next to impossible to photograph. When the unit it off, the Boxee logo is a flat grey and nearly invisible. When powered on, it glows green. The reflective surface and illuminated branding are pure eye candy, but I’m digging it. Although it’s yet to be seen how the uniquely styled unit will fit into our home decor and handle interior lighting.

Much of the conversation the last 24 hours has focused on the newly introduced RF QWERTY remote. It comes bundled with D-Link’s Boxee Box, but will also be sold separately along with a USB dongle for use on computers running Boxee… or other upcoming and yet-to-be-announced dedicated Boxee hardware. The slim remote looks and feels good, although I’d like to see the same finish on both sides. And/or matched to the Boxee Box itself. The keyboard chiclets are spaced well and have good travel/feedback. To answer some of GeekTonic Brent’s questions, it’s unlikely you’d accidentally apply enough pressure to type while holding the remote. The keyboard is also a bit recessed, so it should sit fine on a tabletop.