Finding a reliable and Linux friendly Plug computer

While searching for a reliable and compact router/NAS replacement, I discovered a wide array of miniature Plug computers. Unfortunately none of the online reviews gave enough information to be able to compare these devices side by side. I decided to do my own comparison by evaluating all of the Plug computers based on two main criteria. First, the unit has to be reliable out of the box, without any overheating or boot-looping issues. It needs to be able to become a reliable dedicated server. Second, it should be fairly easy to install Debian or OpenWRT Linux on it without having to take it apart and manually solder a serial console. The device has to be Linux friendly. I used the following page as a guide to help me decide if the device is worth any further investigation.

• DreamPlug - Has only 2MB of onboard flash. Not enough to install even the basic OpenWRT. The only option is to boot the device from external card or USB. This is not very elegant, nor is it safe.
• DPlug2 - An upgraded DreamPlug that has HDMI and 16Mb flash, theoretically capable of running OpenWRT. The problem with DPlug2 is that it has a slow 800Mhz processor and Debian would not fit on its flash memory, while OpenWRT would not be able to take full advantage of its hardware (HDMI, etc..).
• GuruPlug - CPU overheating issues, causing the device to stop functioning. This particular thread has countless accounts of GuruPlug meltdowns. In response to the negative feedback Globalscale did come up with the updated GuruPlug Plus. It does not suffer from overheating issues, but has an internal fan that is too loud. Additionally the fan is not temperature controlled, and the CPU is missing a heatsink so if the fan fails, you will have a meltdown.
• SheevaPlug - Sometimes referred to as Plug Computer Basic, CTERA CloudPlug, MIMO Plug, Ionics Nimbus, Tonido Plug - is the oldest and the most primitive of all Plugs. It has 1 GigE and 1 USB port. Based on the 1.2Ghz Marvel chip, the device has 512Mb of DDR2 Ram and 512Mb of Nand flash, which would be just enough to run any major Linux distribution. It also claims to be most power efficient with 3.1W at startup, and 7.0W maximum. Unfortunately there are numerous reports that this device is also prone to overheating, and power supply failures. More information here and here.
• Ionics Stratus - Has the same specs as SheevaPlug (1.2Ghz, 512Ram, 512Flash), but also includes build-in Wifi and bluetooth cards. Unfortunately there is no further information on the web, and the manufacturer is not responding to any requests for information.
• FreeAgent DockStar - Technically not a plug computer, however this is a Marvell 1.2Ghz fan-less device that is not prone to overheating, with 128 Ram, 256Mb Nand flash, 3 USB and 1 GigE port. Maximum power draw is reported to be 8W. I found a nice tutorial explaining how to install Debian on the USB stick to be used as a boot device in the DockStar. Installing Linux to onboard flash of DockStar is more complicated, as it requires disassembling the unit and soldering in a serial cable.
• Ionics Cirrus / Freeagent GoFlex - This is a new generation Seagate DockStar with 2GHz Marvell CPU, 1GB DDR3, 512MB NAND Flash and includes Wifi (b/g/n). This device has all the right component to become a useful home server.

Currently there does not appear to be a single plug computer that would revolutionise mobile server or home multimedia market. Most of the devices listed above would require some major case mods, manual heatsink installations, soldering serial consoles or JTAG boards, resulting in lost warranty. The Plug computer market is clearly stagnant, as the existing products are suffering from major design flaws, and the next generation products are either not ready or overpriced/hyped.