What hardware tools do you recommend? Starting out...

[stevenamills]

I've ordered from dealextreme one time. They ship out of Hong Kong so it takes forever to get things, but they're pretty cheap and carry some cool stuff.

My experience is the same. If you have time - their stuff is OK and inexpensive.

 

[thor999]

No don't get that kit it has some major flaws I have heard... Microcenter (in Minnesota) has a security bit set for $9.00, every one you'll ever need, and get your soldering iron and extras elsewhere, also I LOVE my battery powered screwdriver! I would also recommend the Xoxide PSU tester as well as a multimeter and "field use" grounded rubber mat, just to show you care. Don't forget Dealextreme, they have tons of stuff you'll need in the way of replacement cables, converters, and the antiESD wriststrap is very nice! Mostly right now you're concerned with bootable USB's, operating system discs, and everything you can get your hands on software-wise, as well as the Business Kit, which may require some "^cough^tons" editing on your part...

 

[darthpickle]

I've used it for securing power / reset buttons on cases after they've been replaced. It's usually how some are secured from the factory as well.

Ahh good call, make sense.. I will keep this tool in mind

 

[stevenamills]

I found this screwdriver set very nice:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Precision-Magnetic-Laptop-Screwdriver-Kit_W0QQitemZ120355134873QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Nonfiction_Book?hash=item120355134873&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

 

[abe]

I found this screwdriver set very nice:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Precision-Magnetic-Laptop-Screwdriver-Kit_W0QQitemZ120355134873QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Nonfiction_Book?hash=item120355134873&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

thanks for the link looks cool