
Sam has recently written a few excellent posts about open source software being used in unusual ways. He's also covered a few open source hardware projects.
Though it may not be as epically geek as the NetBSD toaster, there is a certain appeal to Chumby, the Linux alarm clock. The hardware and software are open and hackable, for the hands-on type.
For the rest of the population, it's still an interesting and functional little device.