I had some of that "the times are a changing" feeling when I read about this.  The SheevaPlug is a $99.00 Linux PC specially designed to run network-based software services. You can connect the computer to the network via GbE for average desktop class performance or connects it to various peripherals using the included USB 2.0 port. while only using 5 watts of power!  I can see this device runing in a small office/SOHO environment continuously while it performs tasks you might otherwise want a PC to do such as virus scanning, NAS device, etc...it boggles the imagination. It is the size of a typical power brick for a laptop.