>>>It's very impressive what hackers (in the true and honourable sense of the word) have been able to do with this and other consumer devices. Another interesting project is http://www.nslu2-linux.org/wiki/FAQ/WhatIsANSLU2
>>
>>How is that different from hooking a USB HD to my machine and using File Sharing? Maybe the "host" PC doesn't have to be running?
>
>You can buy the device for less than $100: http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=655695
>
>It has no moving parts and uses little power, you can leave it running 24/7, which as you point out you might not want to do with a PC.
>
>As the FAQ points out it offers a lot of capabilities, for which some people would otherwise buy a separate computer (at a much higher price).

I guess I didn't see the FAQ. I will check that out.