Ask HN: is using Amazon ec2 machine remotely worth it?

Is there really sufficient extra value in doing this? EC2 is 'cheap', but surely not cheaper than an already-paid-for box. For development work, do you really need the flexibility of more CPU/storage/IO etc? Or are you simply in the mood to have something new to play with?

That's not the best use of your money and time. You'll spend up to a few hundred dollars a month (or <$80/month if you constantly shut down the instances and only use it a few hours a day). You're better off getting a reserved instance, which will save you at least 40-60%, based on the instance type. On the higher end of things, you're definitely better off with a dedicated server.

Try out ec2 whilst keeping the desktop for a few weeks. If it goes well then you will earn some cash from the desktop sale along with learning how AWS works. In the long-term however, I'm not sure if it is the most economical option -- that really depends on how much power you need along with other factors.