Hi. Is there a way to build a laptop and save money like a DESKTOP? How much would a:
Pentium III (any speed)
256MB RAM
20Gb hard drive
DVD-ROM/CD-RW
Wireless G
decent graphics
touchpad
any sound (anything from soundblaster 16 to Xfi fatal1ty)
cost? Ebay is out of the question. It can be used but only if there are fewer than 10 dead pixels, no major scratches, no missing keys, no faulty components... And it MUST be from a well-known retailer, not an ebayer. If you can build a laptop, where can I find parts?No, you cannot build a laptop. eBay is probably your best bet, or classified ads in your city, or a pawn shop, etc. A "major retailer" will not be selling used equipment most LIKELY.Do you know about how much I would NEED for a laptop like that?$250-350 probably for decent equipment in good working order. Onboard sound will be what you get. It would be soundblaster compatible, but no way to modify that further. If you get a T model Thinkpad, for instance, it would be Linux compatible, if that is a concern. Dells are usually good too. Other makers may have issues with Linux. What would be the purpose of the machine? What operating system are you planning?Just a simple system for everywhere I can't bring my PC. Playing DVDs, listening to music, playing a few light-games, browsing web, word processing etc. Basic stuff. I'm planning a dual-boot windoze (98 or XP not sure yet) and linux (k/xubuntu again, not sure).

OK, I did some research and came to the following conclusions:
$190 - HP omnibook, CPU: 800MHz, RAM: 256MB, HDD: 20GB
$190 - IBM thinkpad A20M, CPU: 700MHz, RAM: 512MB, HDD: 30GB
$225 - PANASONIC toughbook CF-72, CPU: 850MHz, RAM: 256MB, HDD: 30GB, touch-screen
$230 - IBM thinkpad T20, CPU: 750MHz, RAM: 384MB, HDD: 20GB
None include Wifi or AC adapters. I'll have to buy both seperate. Shipping is figured in price. Add $100 for
AC adapter and $35 for WiFi. Which one would be best?

OK I did some more research. Found one WITH the AC adapter:
$220 - IBM Lenovo A21M, CPU: 800MHz, RAM: 256MB, HDD: 20GB
I have a feeling something like that would be better.You don't want to buy a laptop without it's proper AC adapter...soo... I should get something like this:
P3, 800MHz
256MB RAM
20GB HDD
AC adapter
battery
No major scratches
What graphics chip will it most likely have? I do intend to play SOME games. Very simple ones, but 3-D. I need at LEAST 8MB (preferably 32MB).You'll be lucky to get anything over 8 meg in a laptop of that vintage. That's what the T20's have, for instance, although they play DVD's just fine. (No Core Duo or fancy video card needed for that after all!)

Where are you getting these from? The seller is everything. As Patio said an adapter is necessary, and the right one is imperative. If the seller doesn't have one how do we know it works?  :-?The below is a reliable place.

http://www.computer-show.com/commerce/index.jsp?czuid=1164587113735I'm gonna need at LEAST 8MB; I WILL be playing SOME games. Very basic though. What do the T21's have? My limit is $240. The only place that has those prices is ebay.   I'm not actually buying them yet. I need to get the money first. Is there a specific seller that you would recommend? I'm going to make SURE that it comes with an AC adapter, battery, expansion port, and has no major defects (keys missing, lines in screen, broken DVD-ROM etc.) I'll most likely get a T21. Anything else I should consider?T-20 through T-22 were virtually the same with the exception of processor. T-20's had a 700 P-III and the T-22 a 900 P-III. PM me if you are interested in a T20.Do you think that a $220 to $240 T21 will work fine? Is it likely a scam? I'll only get ones with pics of it on, which include AC adapter, guarentee on battery, no major defects. What Do u think?If this is on eBay post a link and we can advise.http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-T21-P3-800MHZ-256M-20G-DVD_W0QQitemZ300053768945QQihZ020QQcategoryZ140083QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemSomthing like that. As I stated earlier, it will be months before I have the money.That SEEMS like a reputable seller. He requires immediate payment, though.