I appreciate everyone's comments. Especially those that are fans of a computer in the kitchen, that understand its utility. But I feel the need to state the following, based upon false assumptions here: (1) You cannot watch cable TV (non-broadcast channels) on any PC that is not running Microsoft Windows. This is a limitation of Cable Labs certification. What does this mean? The iPad is out. Linux (say, XBMC) is out. You can hate on Windows day in and day out, but Microsoft's pull here has made it an option. The PC can be booted/woken directly into Windows Media Center if desired, making it a TV first if desired (which will likely be the case here). (2) Some people may spend very little time in the kitchen (making a meal and eating, and that's it). For us, and seemingly for a lot of our friends, we spend a lot of other time in here (just got home from work - having a snack, friends are over drinking beer or wine, etc). To make the assumption that the kitchen serves one (very limited) purpose is naive. Our first kid is on the way, and - if he's anything like I was - the kitchen will become a place to do homework, and plan out school work. Obviously that's not going to happen with this PC (we've got time), but do I think that a PC in the kitchen in 12 years will be useful in this purpose? Absolutely. Every house is different, but a lot of us are in this boat. Thanks again for the help. Maybe I'll post pictures when I/we take the plunge. I have some more masterful plans as well. I intend to pursue an in-ceiling speaker system in at least this kitchen at the same time, meaning that this PC may turn into the jukebox/audio source ... for any sports fan that likes the idea of a kitchen TV/PC, you can imagine what a positive experience that this setup may provide (for me, college basketball on the TV and the kitchen alive with its audio).