Some useful hardware links:
http://www.madtux.org/livepc.php Knoppix or other LiveCD capable http://store.madtux.org/ They have Ubuntu here already on a USB pendrive. Also have several cheap PCs with no operating system so you can add your own. You can configure with more RAM, more HDD, or add DVD player or burner.
http://directron.com/ Many cool cases, different form factor cases and mobos, lots of custom PC build parts. Decent prices.
http://krex.com/ Some cheap parts. Several reasonable systems. I bought one of their cheap systems, but it came as parts I had to assemble. I added some parts I already had while I was at it. Runs great as a DVD ripper/burner box.
http://www.mp3car.com/ Stuff to make a car PC. GPS modules, small touchscreen monitors, small cases, laptop HDDs and optical drives, how to put it all together and a forum for users.
http://cablesonline.com/ Some unique and hard to find hardware as well as cheap cables in bulk.
Enjoy, Brian Kelsay