Not really worth seperate thread but my Squeezebox boom arrived last Friday and I have set it up and, depending on your requirements, is an excellent piece of kit.
http://www.logitechsqueezebox.com/products/overview.html
I already have a Duet set up and connected to my main system and I am in the process of ripping all my CD's which both the Duet and Boom will be able to access indepently (different tunes) or synchronised (the same tune). This means that I will be able to access all of my music (most codecs are covered) instantly via a variety of different browing options. In addition, I now have access to internet radio stations (including the BBC, which I miss a bit) either through my main system or the Boom. The sound quality of the Boom is really rather good for such a small box meaning that I have portable access to all my material and a multitude of radio stations as long as I am range of my router.
Clearly a lappy would be able to do the same thing but the sound from the Boom is way better than any lappy I have heard.
It has the added advantage that I am achieving all my music which I will be able to cart around with me on a portable hard drive.