I've installed CAT5e cable and gigabit switches in my house with the goal of having an "always-on" file server in the loft, accessible to both my macbook and my partner's Windows box. I'd like to find a solution which: uses minimal power. allows me to access as much disk bandwidth as possible. provides glitch-free file access to both MacOS and Windows. is as cheap as possible, while remaining reliable. Optional, but desirable extras: software or hardware RAID; open source solutions. A SheevaPlug with eSATA seems one possibility, but I'm sure there are any number of other good options.