I built a 2TB Umbrel for $200.
Discussion
I did look at Umbrel but the UX seems so much better on a Start9
Either way, you can flash the OS to a NUC for less than half the price. If you’re wealthy and want to support development, sure buy hardware from start9/umbrel. But, not everyone has it like that.
That's fair. I don't see myself as being very technical - why its appealing. It comes with technical support which is a bonus.