well, for a stand, i'd stay away from using an old laptop like that. i'd suggest going to the office supply store and pickup a clear acrylic stand. go to a computer store, pickup a variable speed 80mm fan. then take a drill and a saw to make a hole in part of the acrylic stand, so you can mount the fan to it. go to radio shack, pick up a nicer looking switch, and BLAM! you've got yourself an acrylic stand.
I like that idea, although I probably wouldn't bother with painting it. If I used a clear fan it woulld definately look better than the old powerbook. Guess the only pproblem is finding a stand like the one you describe, I've not seen one for less than the iCurve,