[TriLUG] looking for advice for physically small PC for router, dhcpd/named, firewall

[Joseph Mack NA3T]

I need

o at least 3 ethernet ports

o USB connector for backup of configs

o PS and case (ready to go)

o pcmcia would be nice for wifi card

don't need

o video card

price is not critical (won't make or break the project), but 
small (about laptop) size is important.

I don't know if I'll need a hard disk yet (would be nice if 
I didn't, but it may be needed to backup some of the 
machines on the network).

The Soekris 5501

http://www.soekris.com/net5501.htm

looks nice.

There are machines made by stacking subunits on 4 rods, 
leggo style, but they were expensive, you had to supply your 
own box, and I've forgotten the name.

The soekris has a choice of SATA or ATA connectors for a 
2.5" drive. Anyone have an idea in 5yrs whether there'll be 
any more ATA drives? Should I go with SATA?

Anyone have any other units they're happy with (or know 
about)?

Thanks Joe

-- 
Joseph Mack NA3T EME(B,D), FM05lw North Carolina
jmack (at) wm7d (dot) net - azimuthal equidistant map
generator at http://www.wm7d.net/azproj.shtml
Homepage http://www.austintek.com/ It's GNU/Linux!