Hi,

my config is more "task-orinted". Here are 5 desktops and 2 laptops,
all configured for multiboot with win98, w2k (as main working system)
and one other NT based system (the play/test option) and a safety install of knoppix.

The partitioning on all machines is similar, allowing to switch
/add functionality to each machine. The best machine has everything I work on
on it. The second best is the server/safe, with streamer and burner installed
(SCSI controller in the main machine for HW backup as well).

The third one is the "data safe" for the data mining's, and when not working
on that is used as a always on surfstation under knoppix (CD-Linux) for sec reason.

The main workmachine is connected to 2 screens, but the alternate input
of the screens is connected to the surf station (screen 1) and my large laptop's
secondary output screen 2). Screen switching is done via monitor settings and different keyboard/mouse pairs minimize fumbles.

The 2 other desktops and the last laptop are for testing
and most of the times not on our net.

With this config I can easily switch machines while my working environment is moved
to another machine - if the large machines have to support the datamining or I have to benchmark on different HW. The trick to making this work is a large USB disk, which can be added to any machine, and I even see part of the glass window behind the 2 big screens.
Also: whenever I add the next machine, every other task gets a slightly better machine without the need to reinstall everything <g>. Images of the first 5 partions can be dropped on any machine and only a little hardware dependant fine tuning is necessary.

If I work at a client's site, the main laptop has everything I need and the big USB is in the trunk of the car as well.

The network is behind a hardware router / NAT / DHCP / switch - security and speed for very small cost. (Keep the hub for simulating overloaded networks.)

Give yourself always the best hardware.

my 0.02 EUR

thomas