Where can i build a Laptop for the least amount of $

Im looking to build a laptop because I hate paying so much for the nice laptops out there now. Does anyone know where I can go to find a cheap laptop or a place where I can build one fairly cheap. Im talking about in the neighborhood of $400-$500. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Ive recently heard that people by the hundreds are being ripped off on ebay by a aptop scam. I think they know what they are talking about. A friend told me that most of these sellers require you to send money via Western Union or some other method to wire money and you never see them or the laptop again. The thing is...Western Union and oher places do very little to prevent this and they almost never are able to retrieve your funds.

I bid on several notebooks only to find out that every one wanted a wire transfer. 5 out of the 7 i bid on were out of the country. I just dont trust. I decided to demand they use escrow...that way i am guaranteed to get it. Every seller either refused service to me or quit emailing me altogether.