Not sure they were becoming cheaper all the time.. prices flattened out around year 2000 I would say, but speed are still improving I would say. Software and OS is a factor in this also of course..
Interesting. I've tried owncloud, nextcloud, and other similar "all-in-one" solutions in the past. None ever stuck with me, for various reasons I cannot remember. I just might try this out on a weekend when I have some free time.