Running MinimServer on a plug computer

[simoncn]

One of my goals when developing MinimServer was to be able to run it on a silent low-power device. I chose the SheevaPlug because it's fanless and silent, uses only 5W of power, and has a USB port for attaching a hard drive containing my music collection.

As I write this, I'm listening to music using a SheevaPlug running MinimServer on Debian Linux ARM. My music collection is on a USB-attached 2.5 inch 320GB Hitachi single-platter hard drive that's completely silent unless I put my ear a couple of inches away. The hard drive spins down automatically when not in use to save power. The total cost was about GBP 150 and I'm extremely pleased with it.