You can get similar power consumption.

As for gpio… Add a Pico as a USB pass-through for a few bucks.

https://cheapskatesguide.org/articles/best-mini-servers.html

This article was trending at the time. On hackernews I think.

I really did get the $40 price for an m600 like he mentioned in it.

Seriously. I was thinking about one for a home theater pc a bit ago. Bought a used thinkcentre off ebay for $40 instead. Much better performance and price.