Project stump....where to start?

[Kissker]

I have numerous things laying around... that seem to just be collecting dust.
These things include a laptop, n64, tv, vcr, dvd, atari and branch off to a no- power/cords dreamcast to and old stereo.

Now... I want to play with the laptop... but Iam rather stumped on ideas... I'd love to turn it into a game machine with the stereo's speakers for better sound- even if it has to be plugged in 99% of the time for power (its old battery hardly stays up long enough to check email let alone games)

I guess Iam not really stumped as just a "what do I start with... and what tools will I need?" type question.

I'am not the greatest at soldering (although perhaps when this is done I'll be much better) and I am pretty sure I will need a larger "case" for the laptop when finished- unless someone (or several someones) are able to provide ways to "shrink" down most the parts.

Let's start with this - lets combine the laptop, the dreamcast and the atari if possible- if not- lets just combine the laptop and dreamcast.

Things to keep in mind- most the laptop can be "discarded" if it needs to- I would like to keep at least 1 USB port if possible.

The laptop seems to have an ovearheating- or ram problem - not sure which- after a few hours it will Blue Screen - but it will boot up again after it's had some time to cool. It came to me very used- the owner bought it used and then pawned it to me for a measly $0 (yup can't beat free.. unless he'd pay me ...lol) So if the laptop is broken in the proccess and I screw up- no loss- only gain. (experiance and learning if nothing else.)

I have a cheap soldering iron (radio shack 12 dollar one) some solder lots of spare parts..screws.. etc... lights flashy things... oh and a sheet of plastic to play with......

and probably lots of other things I can't even remember to mention.

No rush on this- I plan on crackin them open (and breaking the already way over warn warrenties lol) tomarrow sometime (clearing off a large table to work on tonight) and gettin everything laid out to work with, but construction I want to take it nice n slow at- makin sure to get as much learning out of this as possible.

Thanks in advance!