I like to do this with laptops -- you can get a few years old maxed out Dell Latitudes, Thinkpads etc on ebay for 80% off. These outperform a standard new $800

I like to do this with laptops -- you can get a few years old maxed out Dell Latitudes, Thinkpads etc on ebay for 80% off. These outperform a standard new $800 laptop easily, though obviously you pay in sleekness/weight (mine is 90% stationary so I don't much care).