I need a laptop computer for school, and I'm looking for something suitable for my needs. It could be used and it doesn't have to be cutting edge in terms of specs. Price is a big factor, as my budget is capped at $500, so i'm looking for something in that price range.

Ideally, i would love to get a "naked PC", that is, a laptop with just the hardware. I don't need or really want a Windows license, b/c it just adds cost and i'm planning to run Linux on it anyway. (linux works great on older hardware, assuming that I run a lightweight desktop environment, right?) Where can I get such a system?

here's the minimum specs i'm looking for:

Price: < or equal to $500

CPU: At least 300 MHZ
RAM: at least 64 MB
HD: At least 5 GB
WIFI: Useful but not required
CD Burner would be useful but is not required


Can anyone help me out?

I'm checking out http://notebooksforstudents.org/ -- their inventory is good and prices are reasonable, but I'd have to pay for a windows license that I wouldn't really need.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_basnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

$499 will get you a Celeron M 1.4Ghz with 512mb DDR, 40Gb HD and integrated wireless. That is after rebate, though..and it might be worth coughing up another 30 bucks for a 15.4" screen.

How does this one look to you guys:

http://www.discountpc.net/details.asp?id=11855&from=home

Quite a small display there..you're looking at a bit over $400 shipped - I guess it's not a /bad/ deal, but I would recommend spending a little extra for a new one. A nice screen makes all the difference, too..

This article is a little low-level, but it came up on digg today and it's relevant, so I figured you could possibly get something out of it:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2778