An FT'er reading this thread is selling an HP machine, 80GB hard drive, has WinXP. From what I can see it's only lack that i might want is a firewire port.

http://archive.laptopmag.com/Review/...paq-nc6400.htm

For my purposes it seems perfect and wondered what you all think. it is an older model but even so seems like it has all i need.

thanks all - you've been so helpful!