A number of generic modules are available from the host-pacakge project, to ease the initial setup of your own host profiles.
A generic module containing the Debian build procedure, and such things that are mostly independant from the Debian release. It is a top-level module.
A generic module for machines based on Debian 3.0. It is based on machines/debian/generic.
A generic module that pulls valuable packages which are not installed by Debian as standard ones, but which experienced users will usually expect to find. It is a top-level module.
A module that defines a generic desktop machine, usable either as-is or as a base for more complete workstation profiles. It is based on machines/debian/valuable.
A module that defines a pretty complete development workstation. It is based on machines/debian/desktop.