The annoying thing about the PlugBot is that the "creator" is trying to get patents put on the device - as if putting Metasploit on a PlugPC is anything unique (been doing this since they came out). See "© 2010. Patent pending." at the footer of the about page.

From talking to others in the local security/hacking scene (the PlugBot creator and myself live in the same area) nobody seems to be impressed with what he wants to do with it. PwnieExpress is a much better alternative. But, in reality - if you're planning on using these there's no reason why you wouldn't just buy and build yourself.

It costs about three times less money to build it yourself, by the way. Buy the hardware, install BackTrack, and Go.

I'd be curious to see how this differs from a product I'd seen before, and was at DerbyCon: http://pwnieexpress.com/

Isn't this just a Marvel Sheevaplug with a sticker and some software? How is this thing patent pending?

Here's the PlugBot: http://i.imgur.com/SvHQq.png And here's the Sheevaplug: http://www.globalscaletechnologies.com/skins/skin_1/images/s...

The picture in the Kickstarter video also looks a lot like the inital form factor of the Sheevaplug, still seen in the datasheet. Here's the video screen shot: http://i.imgur.com/LmOCX.png And here's the datasheet: http://www.plugcomputer.org/405/us/plug-basic/documentation/... http://i.imgur.com/3azJX.png

Also, isn't It's a covert penetration testing device (bot) designed for covert use during physical penetration tests. a little redundant? That's the second sentence of the copy, and it doesn't set up a good first impression.

A large network of these surruptiously deployed throughout a city, town, country in or near free wifi points would make be an interesting ploy. I agree that roll your own is a better option, but for some, ahem, experts, ahem, this may be an easier option.