Can I download from the Wii Shop channel?

I know that you can't do system updates when you have Homebrew applications installed, but how about downloading from the Shop channel?

If you have the most recent version of the shop channel.

You can do the latest system update with homebrew installed and it works fine.

bg4545, I've heard that you really risk bricking your Wii when you do a system update through Nintendo. Are you suggesting updating using other means?

Arikado's Blog has instructions on how to do a "safe update" [arikadosblog.blogspot.com]

No. Updating through Nintendo isn't as risky as you'd think. As long as you've got a good internet connection and you're not playing jump-rope with the Wii's power cord, the update is fine.