[TriLUG] Linksys NSLU2 Linux Storage Server, experiences anyone ?

[Mark W4CHL]

Anyone had experience with the Linksys Storage Router NSLU2 as a Samba server ? 

Looking to implement a small file server in a Window$ only location. Was about to put in an old Linux PC as a server to eventually take over for the current Retrospect backup server running Amanda, but a fellow ham mentioned using Ximeta 120GB integrated network disk after looking into the Linksys NSLU2. 

Decided to give the NSLU2 a go, fellow I've dealt with on eBay had one for $83 incl s/h, so I went with it. Looks like a nicely done unit, even has a crude backup/restore utility built-in, and some simple admin functions for data sharing. Now, I could get a lot more function from say a RH10 server, but this little shrink-wrap Linux file server seems to be quite a cost effective alternative ! 

Some references on search to some hacking the Linux kernel and looking to attach more than just USB disk/compact flash reformatted to ext3. 

Anyone else have experience with this or the Ximeta or US Robotics 8200 which seem to compete in this low-end Window$ file sharing space ? 

Cheers de Mark Smith W4CHL
OCRA liaison to PARC, MPRC
http://rtpnet.org/parc