Used Pentium I/II/III system units are ultra-cheap (try offering $5) at
the secondhand computer stores. The entire secondhand/surplus computer
market is awash with machinery; I've seen large warehouses stacked to the
ceiling. Get an old IBM non-consumer machine - the model number 300GL
springs to mind. Well, actually nothing really 'springs' anymore but it
kind of comes dragging in. Anyway, they were built significantly better
'in the old days'.

My software (Camsoft) needs a minimum 1 GHz PIII computer. You're right the
old ones are better, but not fast enough for my needs. I had to special
order a white box system built around a motherboard with an ISA slot. Very
expensive by today's prices - $800.

Karl