Should I buy a notebook for $50?

[ellert]

I've got an opportunity to buy an old, used notebook computer that my work is getting rid of for $50. The catch is is that they are OLD. I'm talking Toshiba Tecra, probably 486s to 600MHz, fairly barebones, etc. Is this even worth the money they are asking? All I am looking at doing with this notebook is watch DVDs and play games while on the road. And I don't want to spend $1000 on a full-blown notebook that won't get used that much. But, I don't know a thing about changing out notebook internals. How much do they cost (DVD drive, "cheap" 3D card)? And how difficult is it to perform the maintenance?

I know that portable DVD players are going for ~$400, but I'd like for this to be a little more diverse.

Thanks for the input.

[goatsnuts]

I'm surprised you even need to ask that when it's only going to cost $50.



All I can say is that I would. But bear in mind that only the hard drive and memory can probably be upgraded.


You might not be watching DVDs on it though, unless there are good external possibilities.

[Mr Cherry]

If it's fast enough (400mhz+) you can watch Divx files. If it's >200mhz you can use it to listen to Mp3s skip free. For $50 I'd buy it, if only for the "Cool Mod" factor.