This may be borderline non-tech, but I'll see if it flies...
I'm really interested in the different diagnostic software out there now, have built my interface cable, but lack a laptop. Does anybody have any suggestions as to where to find something (classifieds, stores, other)? I'm looking for a machine who's sole purpose will probably be running diagnostic software. I know this isn't quite tech related, but it's the main problem keeping me from getting into this stuff and I figured this is the best place to get help. My HP calculator just isn't gonna cut it, although that would be cool...

 

heh, I actually thought of programming my HP83+ SE to do ECM scans. Maybe I'll get around to it someday.

There was just a consumer electronics sale at the convention center here, it's a royal rip off but if you need a small 233 Mhz laptop or something... they have them for 150$.

Other than that, I'd say look for company liquidation auctions. Enough dot coms are going out of business that there should be plenty of equipment to buy.

 

Ebay, decent setup for ball-park 100$.

 

AND LESS.
Hunt the classifieds at like GN Ttype.
The deals are out there.

Remember thieves know what they're worth too.

I run a really old AST, and Toshiba *in car*. They don't get a second look.

I know 5-6 guys that have had windows busted out for their Pentiums.

Think real cheap
The AST was $50 and I've had it 4-5 years now, and the Toshiba was a throw away (free).

Networking pays

 

www.retrobox.com

I've seen some nice 'puters there

 

Thanks for the input everybody. Grumpy's got the mindset I do on this. I mean, this is the ONLY thing I'll be using it for. I've already got a computer that'll do anything else I want it to, it's just not portable. I'm kind of leery of the ebay thing for computers and such, but I'll just take my time and see what I can find. Don't wanna get stuck with something that's broken or missing parts or something. Thanks again.