This article was worth it for wiringPi alone. As a software guy, I find it magical when I can connect custom hardware to my computer.
I'm off to connect some LEDs and relays and see if it can turn them on and off.
I have two Pis, one is a headless NAS and music player, near the amp. The other is a media center strapped to the back of the TV. None requires a mouse or a keyboard, as I control them from our handhelds. I never hear them, nor need to reboot them.
I think this is a future for computing: remote UI, ssh-able services machines.
But it is also a bit messy, because the NAS exposes files as Upnp, Dlna and smb.
This is awesome. I just got one for Christmas and the first project I wanted to do was create a miniature NES arcade system with the RPi and a 10'' screen hooked up into a custom wooden cabinet.
Can't wait for mine to arrive !
I've been working on a small virtual CEO which is a large, plastic dummy wearing a suit, powered by a Raspberry Pi circuit.
Results haven't been great so far but I'm pleased to say it is better than Mark Pincus.