Used cars in the AS/400 world

Hi all,

For some strange reason I've started thinking lately that it could be fun
to have an AS/400 at home to tinker with and wanted to see what you
thought.  My basic requirements are that it works and is cheap (because I'm
cheap).  My extended requirements (wish list) are that it have a RPG
compiler, PDM, ethernet, at least a couple gig of free disk space.  A RISK
box with at least V4R3 would be a plus.  I don't need or want any software
packages other than possibly IBM OS/400 add-ons such as PDM.  Support from
IBM is definitely NOT in the budget.

I've seen refurbished and retired systems that are out of my price range
($200-$700).  I've seen other systems that are within my price range that
have been acquired by the seller from company liquidation sales.  I'm not
opposed to one of these if I can get into it and do something with it
(write RPG programs, set it up as a FTP or HTTP server, etc.).  I would
like one that isn't bigger than a 2-drawer filing cabinet and runs off of
110 AC power.

1.  If the seller doesn't know the QSECOFR password (or any other
user-id/password) am I stuck?
2.  In such an event can the password be reset or the system be given a
clean install of OS/400 via a manual IPL or other procedure?
3.  What is the minimum OS release you recommend given some of the things I
have mentioned?
4.  Any other considerations?
5.  Should I stick to PC's at home?

Dave Parnin
Nishikawa Standard Company
Topeka, IN  46571
daparnin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx