[dmayle]

So, it's about adding automatic 'multi-seat' support, which is basically support for multiples of the group (keyboard, mouse, monitor) each configured with their own X server. (And the automatic launching of X server and configuration).

Given that the linked hardware in question is $65, why not just get a bunch of Raspberry Pi boards and give each user a dedicated machine for half the cost?

Now, I know that machine administration is not free, and you might argue that managing a single multi-seat machine is less effort than handling a fleet of $35 computers. That's a software problem, however, and solvable.

I suppose there's also the additional network equipment required ($60 for a cheap 24 port 10/100 switch, plus cables).

There's also the fact that the 'multi-seat' ports are VGA, so can use older, discard monitors.

Ok, it's not so clear cut, but I still think the Raspberry Pi solution is preferrable...

[mattmillr]

One advantage to using a multi-seat solution is the same reason virtualization in datacenters works so well. One user isn't going to maximize resource usage at all times, so my spare CPU cycles are available for you when you need to run a bursty CPU-intensive app and vice versa.