>I have recently received some ads via email about a DELL Laptop called VOSTRO 1000; it seems like a good deal for $399, with 1 GB RAM, 120 GB of hard disk space. Has anyone else seen these ads? What do you think?

I'ld check if the chipset supports 2GB RAM sticks - before long you will want to upgrade to 4GB as those prices fall.
Being hemmed in by chipset means either live with small RAM or buy a new machine...

my 0.02 EUR

thomas