Computer System: Base Configuration, Form Factor

What general solution or form factor do you need? What size and shape of a computer do you need? Dell and HP both list options like Laptop & Mini or Desktops & All-in-Ones. And once you get to each area of the site, you have more choices: laptop, netbook, desktop, tablet etc. Which best meets your computing needs and why?
Once you've decided on the form factor, the question focuses on what class of machine. What sort of laptop? Dell has Inspiron, Studio, Studio XPS, Alienware, Adamo. HP has Everyday Computing, High Performance and Envy. Similarly, the netbooks and desktops have different classes of machines as well. Explore into each and get a feel for which class meets your needs. Once you have an idea, explain why you selected the class of machine that meets your needs? How and why does it do so?
Looking within the class of machine, you'll find several base models from which you can choose. For example, on Dell.com, within the Studio and Studio XPS class of laptops, Dell offers the Studio 14, Studio 15, Studio 17, and Studio XPS 16. Which of the base models in the class you chose best meets your computing needs? Why?

-I'm going with a Dell Inspiron 15, has a 15.6 widescreen led display. This best meets my needs because its mobile and it can perform all the functions of a PC. I also like the large widescreen for viewing videos and movies.
-I chose to go with the Inspiron model because of its capabilities and a pretty reasonable price. I also can upgrade hardware in various areas (i.e. processor, RAM, hard drive) to make this model perform even more efficient.
-I chose the Inspiron 15 model because it will best suit my needs. This will be plenty of computer for me. All I really use it for is school, socializing, and itunes. I do watch movies from time to time and this will be a plenty big enough screen for that. Also I carry my laptop around with me at times and to go with a larger model I would add weight to an already heavy backpack.

Processor, Motherboard & Buses

I have narrowed it down to 4 processors.
-Intel Dual Core T4400 (2.2GHz/800MHz FSB/1MB cache)-included with package
-Intel Core 2Duo T6600 (2.20GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)-add $75.00
-Intel Core 2Duo P7450 (2.13GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3MB cache)-add $135.00
-Intel Core 2Duo P8700 (2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3MB cache)-add $225.00

I would go with the Intel Core 2Duo T6600, as anything else would just be over kill for me. I do not use my computer for much other than school and work and this would give me the right balance for my needs. I would want to upgrade my processor just because of viewing large media files and some computer gaming, I like to give myself room to grow for future uses.

Computer System

I do know that I will be buying a laptop to best meet my needs and interests.
- Intel 2 dual core processor
- 4 Gigs of RAM, can never have too much and need to compensate for future uses.
- Minimum of 150 Gigs on the hard drive
- Minimum of 2 usb ports for flash drive, ipod, possibly a printer if not on my home network, and mouse
- I would just use the bulit in video card and sound card, do not do much computer gaming and do not connect aftermarket speakers to my laptop.
- Need bulit in wireless card for connecting to home network and anywhere with wifi, also a cat5 port just in case.

My Social Networking Tools

I currently use facebook and myspace just to keep in touch with friends and family and share what is going on in my life without actually having to talk to them(that would take way too long).
http://www.facebook.com/
http://www.myspace.com/

There are many other social networking tools out there that I have not yet participated in.

Any future networking tools would probably be targeted to specific interests or professional networking.

Possibles
-Books iRead: targeted to books and opinions on books
-Flixster: targeted on movies and the quality of them
-TravBuddy.com: targeted on travel and experiences of others' travels
-GamerDNA: geared towards gamers, used for advice and opinions
-Talkbiznow: targeted towards buisness

All of these spike my interest, while most are just personal interests some can help me make a good decisions in everyday life. They all offer personal opinions on various things. Whether it be games, books, or travel information they could all assist me in life. Talkbiznow would be more for the future since I currently am only interested in the oil business(work for an oil company), but could give insight to my investments and future investments.

My Email Platform

I currently use a free yahoo email account. This is an account that I created just to have an email address. The main reason I use this is because one of my friends suggested it and of course becouse its free.

I currently just need to send and recieve emails and send attachments. I do like spam protection, virus protection, online access, forwarding, storage space, and organizational tools.

3 Possibles
-Hotmail
-Yahoo
-Gmail

I have chosen Hotmail because of the storage and easy to use interface. Hotmail allows me to log in with windows live where I have access to my Xbox live and outlook. Also comes with top of the line security. Yahoo does not offer all the conveniences and storage space of Hotmail. While Gmail was right there with Hotmail I liked the convenience of my Xbox live with Hotmail. On a professional not I liked the organization offered by hotmail along with the storage space.

Pop up blocker...Do I really need it?

I do not need a pop up blocker because my Internet Explorer has one built in.

3 different solutions
-PopUp Blocker Pro-free download-for PC's only
-Super Ad Blocker-free download-Windows 98 and up
-Super Ad Blocker 4.6-$29.95-Windows 98 and up but focuses on Windows Vista

I selected PopUp Blocker Pro because it works with both interne Explorer and Netscape which leaves my options open. I do not think I need any added pop up protection so I would not spend money on one I would have to purchase.

Spyware/Malware

I personaly need a web filter to prevent malware from the web.

5 Options-
-Spybot Search and Destroy-free download-is compatible with Windows 95 and up
-Ad-Aware-free download-compatible with Windows 2000 and up requires processor 600 MHz or better
-Ad-Aware plus-$26.95-same requirements as the free download
-Malwarebytes-24.95-compatible with Windows 2000 and up
-MacScan 2.7-free download-for Macs only

I have selected Spybot Search and destroy and Ad-Aware free downloads. I selected the free downloads because the plus versions include features which are already covered by my anti-virus. I want both to get a more complete scan of my PC