Pluto: Linux-based Do-everything System

tazzzzz writes "Ever wanted an easy-to-configure, whole-house, internet-accessible, Linux-based VOIP PBX with video, PVR, firewall/router, security system, MP3 player, file server, personal web server, home automation (lights, thermostat) controller? I just came across the Pluto which claims to do all of this (and more, of course!). It'll set you back $15,000 if you're living in a small bachelor pad, but you didn't need that car anyway, did you?"

Comments

This is ridiculous!

[linux_user_31337]

Why should I shell out $15,000 for something that's an order of magnitude more expensive than the sytem I've built myself?

I built a MythTV system (using a hacked XBox as a frontend!) with a USB webcam for videoconferencing on my TV for less than $2000. It can do everything the Pluto adverises except home automation, but some X10 devices would take care of that.

This is a perfect toy for the busy executive who loves using the latest technology but doesn't understand it -- not for us able Linux lovers on slashdot!

Re:This is ridiculous!

[timeOday]

This is a perfect toy for the busy executive who loves using the latest technology but doesn't understand it -- not for us able Linux lovers on slashdot!

Exactly, so how is that ridiculous? I take as a good example of somebody who's probably a lot like me, except they had the guts to make a business out of their convergence box hobby. Good for them! As for whether there's really a market, well I guess they'll find out. But I heard an interview with the owner of a local electronics chain, and he told about people who call up asking for a high-fidelity sound system throughout their new custom home. "$30K? OK. When can you have it done?"

Re:Security issues?

[toasted_calamari]

My thoughts exactly. When I read this article the phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none" sprung to mind. I have never seen a "does everything" device that actually worked well.

Re:Security issues?

[MikeXpop]

No kidding. Get r00ted and there goes your TiVo, your mp3 collection, your heat, your security system! There goes your whole freaking house! No thank you.

Targeted for non-technical consumers

[samdaone]

This device is probably targeted for someone who wants a plug and play solution, or does not have the technical knowledge to build their own from a variety of parts offered at the consumer level (server, software, tv tuner, big hard drives, mic...) Someone with some level of putting together a computer can probably come up with a more economic version of this item.

However, if you do not want to build your own and have money to burn this is a perfect oppurtunity to buy one!

Re:-1: Slashvertisement

[tazzzzz]

As the person who posted this, I can say that I have absolutely no affiliation with the company that makes this. It seemed an appropriate topic for slashdot to me, because here's a product that incorporates doubtless dozens of open source projects into a useful, usable package. (At least, that's the idea... I don't have this system to play with...)

This is, I assure you, not a product placement (unless the /. editors convinced this company to fork over some dough between last night when I submitted this and now when it appeared on the site.)

Kevin

Re:Security issues?

[3Suns]

Who says it's just one machine? I don't know the system details, but it's quite possible that the system includes multiple actual computers that would have a firewall in front of everything, and eliminate the single point of failure. $15000 buys a lot of hardware, even if the system includes several "orbiters" and a fancy cell phone and whatever else.

Re:Can be done WAY cheaper

[tempest303]

You missed the point. It's all integrated, and "easy to use". What you just listed are completely un-integrated, discrete projects. So, to quote jwz, "Linux is only free if your time is worth nothing". Sure, I could spend a ton of time learning to do each of those things for myself, or I could just buy a box that already does it for me.

That said, the price is way too high, and I'm betting it's not quite as easy to use or configure as they think it is. However, if they made it truly easy to configure and use, and brought the price to more like $5000 (you're paying for software and customization here), then they might have something - I could certainly see the Sharper Image types digging this. Plus, it would probably have the effect of spurring guys from projects like the ones you listed to make their stuff easier to configure and use, and would also likely result in a FreePluto project... bwahahahaha...

Re:A little too successful with my PVR :(

[dont_think_twice]

Thanks to Tivo, you haven't been introduced to new shows that you might like

Not exactly the pursuasive argument you were going for, now is it?

Wow, he is really missing out. All that time he is spending doing constructive things, he could be watching TV.

I think you are missing the point.