Similar Projects
If you find the minipwner project interesting, here are a few similar projects you might like to learn more about:
Pwnie Express
THe Pwnie Express was the first commercially available pen testing drop box. Its linux running on top of a SheevaPlug, and they've built some web-based scripts to automate the tasks of configuration and establishing connections. It is powerful enough to run packages like Metasploit on the box, but it doesn't have integrated wireless.
F-Bomb
The F-Bomb is a recent project that we're just starting to hear about. Brendan O'Connor has built a custom case around a PogoPlug computer board, and it sounds like he's built in interfaces for various sensors and other expandability.
Wifi Pineapple
http://hakshop.myshopify.com/products/wifi-pineapple
The Wifi Pineapple is comprised mainly of some wrapper scripts and interfaces around Karma running on a La Fonera or similar wireless router.
Raspberry Pi
I'm really excited to see these go into general availability. The Raspberry Pi is an inexpensive credit-card sized computer. It uses an external keyboard and RCA (TV Video) out for a display, and has interfaces for USB, SD Card, and Ethernet (on a more expensive model). There is also an expansion/prototyping board in the works called a GertBoard that will allow you to connect sensors, lights, motors, etc. and drive them from the RaspBerry Pi.