Does anyone know where I can get faulty laptops? Sounds silly, I know - but I am trying to build an MP3 box or other similar project using a colour laptop. I've seen a few on E-bay with missing battery (doesnt matter) and missing keyboard (again wouldnt matter), but they are getting snapped up as some high prices.

Are there any places that specialise in this sort of stuff?

I may have a faulty Toshiba at my works place. Not sure, I may have thrown it out. I'm going there tomorrow, I'll have a look, but don't get your hopes up.

The display was faulty, the ribbon cable connecting main body to display had fractured. Repair would have cost £250.00, not worth it as it's about 7 years old.

Sorry, don't know of any places that give 'em away

That would be great flops if you have one, if not, not to worry!

I'm keeping my eye open on e-bay incase anything good pops up!

Well well, the laptop was still there

Here's it's specs:

Make & model: Digital DECPC425SE (It wasn't a Toshiba).
10 years old.
486
160MB HDD
8MB RAM
WIN 95 loaded.
1 x serial port
1 x paralell port.
PCMIAA slot.
PS2 mouse connector.
It has a battery, not sure if it's any good.
PSU/mains lead. (DC Adaptor).
VGA out.
Built in floppy disk.
Owners manual.
Two floppy disks with drivers.

All that's wrong with it, as mentioned, is the TFT display's knackered. I hooked it up to my 19" monitor just now and it worked fine.

The trackball's a bit jerky, could probably do with a clean, but you can always connect an external mouse.

Ian, I know it's a bit old hat but if you can make use of it, PM or e-mail your address and I'll send it to you. It still has the original packing.

Thanks Flops, but I don't think it would be fast enough to play MP3's I'm really grateful for the offer though!

BTW, do you want me to upload your sig to the PCR server, because its a broken image atm (could be because of the BBF move)

Yep, I thought the specs might not be high enough, oh well, never mind

If you can host my sig link, I'd be grateful. As BBF have just changed host, there's a lot of bugs to sort out.

I thank you

btw, anybody else wants this laptop, I'll give it a week then sling it. If anybody wants it, PM or e-mail me.

I dunno, are you sure 486 wouldn't cope with decoding MP3's? If you could get it working (with all the possible diver issues)... I'm guessing that something like x11amp would run fine.

If Ian doesn't want it, I'd be willing to throw a few quid your way to have a play round. Not many though!

You're welcome mate

Just to repeat, you do realise the TFT doesn't work and you'll need an external monitor.

If you want it, PM me your address, I'll send it, just send me a cheque or PO for the postage after it's arrived.

I'm guessing postage would come to a fiver.

That's what telnet and VNC are for.

Sent address. Thanks.

Mmmmmm...I have Faulty Towers. Is VHS ok? It's in NTSC for you european folks, though.