I'm on a quest to find a reliable source for cheap PC's for a project
of mine.  My requirements:

1) Intel-based, i.e. able to run Linux (486 or better, no minimum
speed),
2) Three (3) Ethernet ports, (10Mbps, half-duplex is fine),
3) at least 64Mbps memory,
4) Hard drive, 2G minimum,
5) Serial port,
6) VGA output and keyboard port (PS/2 preferred but not required),
7) Case, power supply.

I had a source for used HP Vectras.  There were Pentium Pro 200's,
128M memory, 2G hard drive, CD-rom, VGA, keyboard, sound card, and
three PCnet cards per.  I was purchasing those for $45/per.  I was
only able to get 25, though.  And I need a lot more (like 200-500).

Ideally, I'd like to find a supplier of new equipment.  I have a
feeling that this is improbable.  Purchasing parts from several
sources is fine, as long as I can cobble together a system for $50 or
less.

Barring new, a reliable source of used machines with a large inventory
would be idea.

Yikes.  That's a pretty tiny budget for new parts!  Here I was, all
happy that I built two new machines and upgrades a third for a total
of $600!

Try here for a good, comprehensive price comparison list:

http://www.pricewatch.com


Good luck!

--Missy

you got lucky. The same machine used (at a reseller, admittedly) where
I live will run you over 200 dollars.  They were trying to ditch
inventory quick, and recoup a few bucks at the same time.

I'd recommend lot auctions, where companies consign their old
equipment.  I've gotten a lot of cheap older stuff there.

It is no problem to find a used computer of this spec on Ebay for less than $50:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2300910319
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2302078150
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2301138602

The problem is finding a reliable source for such items.

It *IS* possible.  Check out these guys:

http://www.acetraders.com/

http://www.acetraders.com/products/monthsal.htm

"A) Pentium 100 ...$10.00 . Hard drive: typical 800-1.2 gb+, Ram:
16-32 MB. Floppy. 30-40% with CD ROM.
  
B) Pentium 133 ...$13.00 . Hard drive: typical 1.0 gb+, Ram: 16 - 32
MB. Floppy. 70 - 80% with CD ROM.
  
C) Pentium 166 ...$19.00 . Hard drive: typical 1-2gb, Ram: 32 to 48
MB, Floppy. 50-60% with CD ROM. Majority COMPAQ brand. 70% Towers.
  
D) Pentium 200 ....$27.00 .Majority COMPAQ.. Hard drive: typical 2.1
gb, 32 -64 MB Floppy. 70 - 80% with CD ROM. 80% towers."

Obviously, these are used, in bulk quantaties, and have no O/S.  Thier
website seems to be aimed at export markets, but I'm guessing they
think there are only limited domestic markets for such old systems. 
I'm sure if you call them up and say you need 500 of them they will
sell them to you.

Read About Its Birth And Demise Here
> http://www.be.com/

Download The Operating System here
> http://www.bebits.com/app/2680

If you need help with BeOS, go here:
http://www.bebits.com/devs/

I hope this helps. If you need some help and resources for this
project, contact me so we can chat. :-)

^O_O^ 
primezero.com

if you have a fry's electronics nearby, ($49)
buy a barebones kit. then just add a few more components from computer
nobody wants. you make make LinuxBoxes or BeBoxes quickly this way.

you can also cluster a bunch of cheap PCs into something worthwhile if
you like.
ok, i will shutup now.

^O_O^

Have you checked with the government?  Go ask about used equipment at
the local military base (if you have one there), they usually have
good deals, especially if your project is educational in nature,
though you may need to acquire spare network cards to get three in
each.