What you charge for a case/screen and mobo is more than what Dell charges for the whole shebang... case/screen, mobo, RAM, hard drive, DVD drive, processor, etc.
What I hope to do is literally build my own laptop, not just customize it and have someone else do it for me. If these are my only options, I think my best bet would be to find parts on ebay.
For that model, I agree.
When you find a barebone for the exact price that Dell sells it, and is exactly what I quoted you please tell me.
This machine is different than a DELL - when a customer request a DELL system, they get what they pay for it, of course. There's DELL, and then there is a white box - where you can load anything up unto it that you like.
E-bay shopping is different, you will find those you may have a few re-built ones, that sort of thing.
On a final note, C2D systems are usually more expensive than the average core duo notebook, the mobo and everything involved is higher... take this unit for an example.
* Mfr Part Number: ASUS Z62J
* No CPU; No HDD; No Memory.
* Processor: Support Intel Yonah Processor Core Duo T2300~T2600 (Speed from 1.66~2.16GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, FSB 667MHz)
* Chipset: Intel 945GM & ICH7-M
* Memory: 2x 200pin SODIMM Support Dual Channel DDR2-667/533 Memory, Max capacity 2GB
* Display: 14" WXGA (1440x900) TFT display, Color Shine Enhanced Screen
* Graphics & Video Module: nVidia Geforce Go 7300 Graphics Controller w/128MB Video Memory (Max TurboCache upto 256MB)
* Hard Disk Drive: 2.5" 9.5mm 4200/5400 RPM SATA HDD; Capacity of 60/80/100/120GB
* Optical Storage Device: Built-in 2X(2.4X)/4X/24X/24X/8X24X Super-Multi DVDRW Drive
* Audio: Built-in Azalia Audio CODEC, with 3D effect & full duplex; Built-in Stereo Speakers and Microphone
* Connectivity: Integrated 56K V.90 Modem; 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Controller; Built-in Bluetooth; Optional Intel Pro3945 (802.11a/b/g) Wireless LAN
* Interface: 4x USB2.0 Ports; 1x IEEE 1394 Port; 1x VGA Port; 1x S-Video Output; 1x RJ11 modem Port; 1x RJ45 LAN Port; Audio I/O Jacks; 1x Type II PCMCIA Slot
* Card Reader: 4-in-1 Card Reader (Support SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
* Camera: Built-in 0.35M Webcam
* Battery Pack & life: 6-cell 4800mAh 64W/Hrs Li-Ion Battery; Upto 4 hours Life Time
* AC Adapter: Output - 19 V DC, 4.74A, 90W; Input - 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
* Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.15 x 9.9 x 1.0~1.4 inch
* Weight: 5.5 lbs
This one goes for around: $599.99
Perhaps this is what you had in mind?
Good luck!
