The scoop: MyDitto network storage server, by Dane-Elec, about $185 for 500GB (1TB and 2TB are also available).

What it is: This box contains two slots for a hard disk drive, and connects via Ethernet cable to an open port on your home router. When you connect to the router and power up the box, it becomes a NAS drive for your network, capable of storing files. The drive can also act as a streaming media player for iTunes or any other UPnP media player/device on the network. You can access the drive from any computer on the network, or across the Internet.

Why it's cool: Client access to the MyDitto box is unique -- instead of installing an application on the PC, users connect a MyDitto USB key to their PC, which loads up the application that shows the drive's contents (users need a password to access the drive). When the USB key is removed, all traces of the NAS are gone (save for any files that the user copied from the drive to the local PC). Not only is it easy to install on each PC or Mac, but the USB key makes it good for traveling, when you want to access files via a business center PC or an Internet kiosk. Multiple USB keys can be created for other users to access the drive as well, and if you lose your USB key, you can reset the system and create new authentication keys.

Some caveats: A couple of bugs froze the app when trying to access the drive across the Internet; iPhone app can only view photos (audio streaming promised in update).