In May 2007, we published a project on Instructables that showed how to assemble a potentially useful tablet PC. Why was this project only a potential success? We couldn’t get the Fujitsu Stylistic 1000 to boot. All of that has changed and now we can boot the Tablet PC in DOS, Windows 95, and DSL Linux. The secret element that made this doorstop into a viable Tablet PC was a Windows tool called HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool V. 2.1.8. At the link, a Texan named Nox will supply all of the needed know-how for using this utility, as well as downloads for both HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool and a collection of boot files. Now don’t get too excited, these dated tablet PCs only worked really well when they were booted into DOS. So we converted ours into a dedicated DOS game machine. Skip the stylus and use an old salvaged PS/2 keyboard. Also, drop the battery and pick up a power supply. These two mods to our original project will shave about $135 off the project’s price tag. Not bad for around $120.—Dave Prochnow

Are you looking for a unique, odd, outdated, or antique component for a special DIY project? Then make a quick trip to Surplus Sales of Nebraska. Claiming to stock over 20,000 “individual items,” Surplus Sales of Nebraska has lots of interesting bargains including:

NEW, in the box, Fujitsu Stylistic 1000 computers for $39 - $65.
Like new, Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera with flash and two bulbs for $75.

Furthermore, there is a monthly sales flier (PDF) that contains an occasional gem like Nixie displays B6036 and NL50318, for $55 and $75, respectively.

Finally, as you spend all night looking through the seemingly endless list of surplus goodies, you can quench your case of the munchies with a NEW, in-the-box, Art Deco Manning Bowman “The Debutante” waffle maker complete with fabric power cord for $350.

Bon appetit! —Dave Prochnow