embedded linux ????

Hey all.. I am interested in getting into embedded Linux!
I bought a few text books on Linux and embedded systems...

But, I don't know where to start in terms of an evaluation board and compiler, iv'e Googleed it and there is just so much info! Any one have a good idea for me?

Preferably I would want something that has many i/o lines and is below $200 USD, with a decent (free) compiler, USB and Ethernet.

Thanks everyone!

Try this BeagleBoard.org - default

Thanks be80be!
I will take a look into that... Do you use this board btw??

I have not had the time to try it out but hopefully soon

There is an example of micro linux on ISIS running on an arm7