http://www.linux.com/feature/115203

Setting up an old laptop with Linux so that it will run faster
{and having Windows98 Unofficial Service Pack as dual boot}
is a good tool to have to stick in the truck
or to use at a public WiFi Hotspot

Besides the new AntiX from SimplyMepis
DSL Linux
PuppyLinux
FeatherLinux
are also good distributions for older machines
and can be tried out as 'Live CDs' that
don't alter your hard drive

 

I'd put linux on it then make it a server with a bunch of external drives

 

One other recent trick that I have seen used on old laptops
is to make their batteries run a lot longer
by replacing the old power sucking hard drive
with a Compact Flash memory card of 1-8 gigs
by using an adapter like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bootable-Compact...QQcmdZViewItem

 

yeah that's a pretty brilliant idea. and now that they're making CF cards up t 16GB, you could easily stick windows on them and use it for a traveling laptop...lol