On my personal "list of hacks to try once I have the necessary time and experience" are some thoughts along similar lines.
1) A hybrid that can be disconnected from the home network. This could be a laptop for use watching recorded media when on the road, or a "car-PC" to provide entertainment to the back seats when on long journeys.
2) A (VPN encrypted?) link between two systems. I work in the Netherlands, but live in the UK. Some people have holiday homes etc. How cool would it be if when I'm staying in my room during the week, I could watch my media as if I was at home? Or when you go away to your holiday home, you have full access to your home system?
Oh the possibilities!
