Like a lot here probably do, I have a habit of making things out of components meant for other things.
Tom's scanner posting elsewhere in the forum reminded me of some of those I have done.
One of my favorites are scanner parts. I have used a scanners fluorescent bulb and inverter in things like closet lights, computer case lighting, keyboard try light. I even used both the bulb and inverter with some tweaking for a significant time as a replacement in a laptop screen.
I wanted to keep it working for a while longer but didn't think it was worth the cost to replace.
I used the rails and steppers, plus the tray actuator motor from an old cd rom (as the cutter) to build a computer controlled pc board drill/circuit cutter ( good for only larger stuff)
I use old printer parts constantly for similar robotics.
I like to buy cheap china made things that you know are junk, but you can use the shell or objects look as a case for projects.
Like toy robots that have no automation.. You can make these actually do things and seem a bit more realistic..
R2D2 toy for a case of a micro pc. ( haven't done that yet.. but planning it)
I've used toasted network switch cases ( I like the metal ones like Netgear have) for project cases.
Wii controllers for the accellerometer data to computer control the active ride control systems for better cornering in a car I have..
I could go on and on.. but I'm looking for neat ideas like this as they have been applied to RE systems ..
I haven't done much of that yet, curious to see whats out there.