I was considering using an ASUS EEE PC for my distributed computing project.
-- http://hireme.geek.nz/dsn-at-home.html

But the unit's capabilities were such that I had to use a MiniPC instead.
Once I finally figured out how to get the MiniPC networking subsystem to
work (the Linux software part of it), the update left the unit incapable of
accessing the internet. I was only able to get networking via USB, something
totally contradictory to the way Unix typically works. Full Ethernet
interface interoperability is probably a pipedream for the Unbuntu branch of
Linux. USB networking is fine for my uses, but not what I expected to use.
My web router supports USB and Ethernet interface connections.

The MiniPC was pre-installed with Unbuntu 7.10 -- but Unbuntu 8.0 seems
riddled with similar functionality problems.

I need to get on the Linux Store (in Canada) and convince them to switch to
a stable Redhat or BSD variant (probably Fedora, it seems easy to use) -- if
I can get said Red hat variant installed via a Flash USB card.

http://www.thelinuxstore.ca/index.ph...tqj4jdbv013j91

Hardware detection and driver support for the MiniPC probably led the Linux
Store to install Unbuntu. However, I suspect that other more stable Linux
variants use the same [base] hardware drivers. The only thing I will
probably lose support for (with the new OS) is the audio subsystem. I
suspect that I will find a fix for that near the end of the project. The
MiniPC will be used as a server -- so audio support it does not really
matter. I suspect that all the USB interfaces, Ethernet NIC subsystems will
be detected an supported fully by other more stable Linux variants.

The main cause of all of these problems is that I am too poor to afford a
Mac to do the project -- and I wanted a quiet PC. My current 350 USD Compaq
is as loud as INXS (or from the classical realm, 'Hecla' [Jon Liefs]). Apple
may sell servers, but is not really interested in helping distributed
computing projects along at the project level.

Paying 800 USD for the cheapest Mac is beyond my means -- and I have the
extreme misfortune of living in the USA where the American National
Character is against helping the sciences -- unless it involves helping
people in the sciences who already come from money.

The nearest BOINC projects to me are : Rosetta @ Home.
Canada, where I am from has ZERO distributed computing projects native to
the country.
Australia, where I hope to continue the project: ditto.
NZ, ditto.

>> Someone probably is but it hasn't fallen far enough to be in our price
>> range. But last I looked speed is lagging behind the price drop so you do
>> not want it on 2-3GHz MOBOs yet regardless of the price. Leave them to
>> laptops where other things are more important, in this case, power
>> consumption.
>
> I've got a little Asus EEE here, which came with a 4 Gb flash drive. With
> very little work (though invalidating the warranty), I've added a further
> 44 Gb of flash, Bluetooth, and extra USB ports. The thing is now a /very/
> useful portable tool, robust, reliable, and incredibly cheap!