Lynchmob,

If you're still looking for a good deal on a laptop and if you're not afraid to buy something from ebay, there's one person you might want to try.  If you do a username search for "resourceconcepts" and check out the laptops he has, you'll see that he sells laptops relatively cheap.  The reason why he has such good deals is because his organization acquires off-lease laptops and resells them again.

I was able to purchase a P3 650 Mhz Dell Latitude CPxJ with 14.1" LCD screen, 12 GB HD, 128 MB RAM, 56K modem, CD and Floppy with parallel cable connection(regularly, cable is extra when bought new), and two batteries for $650.  On top of that, the laptops come with a 90-day warranty from him.  Most of the laptops have an extended warranty purchased by the original owner but I'm not sure if it is transferable or not.

It's a great laptop and I can assure you you'll never find a better deal here in San Diego.  I live in San Diego too by the way.  Upgrading the RAM is very easy since I was able to purchase an extra stick of 128 MB for $30.  Upgrading the hard drive is pretty easy too.  Well, I hope I've helped you out some.  I just checked his stock and it looks like the only ones he has in stock range from P2 266 to P2 400 Latitudes going for $1 - $153.  These auctions end on the 13th by the way...