http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EXz2qYKQmc
This video, via FSK1138, takes a look at unboxing and testing the rePatcher.
The rePatcher is a $25 Arduino shield that basically lets you add a physical modular synth controls to Pure Data and MAX/MSP patches. It offers 6 general purpose potentiometers for modifying parameters in your patch and a 6 x 6 patchbay matrix.
rePatcher is available at Open Music Labs.
Personally, NO, I use a modular as I don’t use computers for music, nasty sterile things….