They didn't make for good home computers. In college in 1991-1992, I was an operator for VAX/VMS mainframes, and some HP and DEC minicomputers. I wanted something to play around with at home, so I bought some surplus stuff that the school was auctioning. I can't remember exactly what I got, but it was a rack-mount DEC machine that weighed 100lbs or so, along with a similar-sized hard drive unit (that only held about 8MB).
The thing needed a 220V outlet, sounded like a jet turbine, and probably drew a few thousand watts. And it was less powerful than the i386 desktop I had (running early Linux).
The thing needed a 220V outlet, sounded like a jet turbine, and probably drew a few thousand watts. And it was less powerful than the i386 desktop I had (running early Linux).
It's a neat idea, but not practical or pleasant.