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... by MacSense with its developer edition.

I think it's closer to the Airpad since that uses USB power, except that this new device doesn't require a computer so it plugs directly into the ethernet port and allows any number of devices to connect to it -- none of which need be PC or Mac computers, and so no drivers are required.

Examples of such devices include Audrey [audreyhacking.com], ReplayTV [digitalnetworksna.com], TiVO [tivo.com], Xbox with network connector [xbox.com], or playstation2 with network connector [playstation2.com] just to list a few.

Slashdot ate half my post, 503 errors suck, here's the full post

Your post confuses me. I read your (broken) link (HTML isn't hard -- try it!) and it seems that "any number" is, well, one. And, unless you mean drivers (which the Airpad requires, but the new D-Link device does not,) I don't understand what software has to do with it.

Most importantly, the product you linked to requires a computer to be connected to the ethernet port, upon which drivers muct be installed, and into which the Airpad connects to allow other computers to share said connection.

In contrast, the new D-Link device plugs directly into the ethernet port and seems to allow any number of (and I do mean more than one!) devices to connect to it -- none of which need be PC or Mac computers, and so no drivers are required. Examples of such devices include Audrey, ReplayTV, TiVO, Xbox with network connector, or playstation2 with network connector just to name (and link) a few.

Maybe it's just me, but given the wording of your post, I expected more than one. I suppose "one" is "any number," but I think that's phrase is usually reserved for cases where there are several. I also expected an equivalent device (hint: USB-power isn't the main feature) which the device you mentioned is not.

And, since the Airpad costs $92 and requires a computer (PC or Mac only,) and the D-link device is $99 with no computer required I can think of (and link to) any number of possible devices for which this new product may have applications where the Airpad can't work.

Your post confuses me. I read your (broken) link (HTML isn't hard -- try it!) and it seems that "any number" is, well, one.

Maybe it's just me, but given the wording of your post, I expected more than one. I suppose "one" is "any number," but I think that's phrase is usually reserved for cases where there are several.

How about a HomePod? It's not a tablet but you can mount it on the wall. It feeds your stereo your choice of analog or digital audio. It's also hackable. I have one and it sounds pretty good.

MacSense makes the "iPod for the home", in the form of their HomePod. It doesn't run MacOS; it runs Linux and Java (J9).

More info at GlooLabs.

My Homepod is way cooler than that, and has a display as well. Still, maybe we'll be able to do away with the Homepod's server software and use whats built into iTunes to work with AirTunes.

The HomePod from MacSense is already available, and best of all, it will stream music from any iTunes shares it finds.

MacSense mentions this feature right here. However, I think they are talking about Homepod variants they'd like to release in the future.

You want open source, check out GLOOLABS. Its HomePod application for iTunes and other MP3 files is just the beginning. GLOO is challenging developers to come up with their own digital convergence applications.

MacSense and GLOOLABS already beat HP to the punch. Check out this story about the Homepod.

You can do this even easier with a HomePort from MacSense. Not only that, but you can develop your own applications using the open-source GLOO technology inside.

One thing Jobs didn't mention was the new HomePod from MacSense Connectivity. It's based on technology from GLOOLABS. Basically, it allows you to take your MP3 collection and beam it to any device in your house! I need one of these now! Even better, GLOOLABS is taking the open-source route, asking developers to create their own devices based on the technology!