[linux-audio-user] shuttle xpcs as linux music boxes?

[glyn]

hi all,

i'm currently mulling over the idea of getting one of those really small 
shuttle xpcs for use as a quasi-portable linux-based audio box/desktop 
replacement, and was wondering if anybody had used them before and had 
suggestions or encountered caveats/hardware problems/quality control 
issues/etc.  apparently the amd-based systems use an integrated realtek 
audio chip that is supported under alsa, but i'd probably put a better 
audio interface in the one available pci slot anyways. 

thanks,
glyn