Do I need to upgrade laptop?

Hi,

I have a 3 year old Acer Aspire 5715z running Windows Panorama Home Premium, Specs:

Intel Dual Core, 1.86GHz, 533MHz FSB, 1MB L2 cache
Able to 358 Movable Intel graphics media accelerator X3100
3GB DDR2
15.4 inch LCD
160GB HDD
DVD super drive
WLAN


The down sides are the size of the hard drive and ie an SETTLE HDD. It doesn't perform As well as it wont to . Is it time to upgrade and If so what machine/spec machine would be quality.

Just a bit of background facts on ME, I Am 15 nearly 16, getting a job soon (just waiting till 16, already hired, i'm not someone who says they are exploit ane merely hasn't bothered until now). I love computers and software, Would waste it for no gaming and the irregular bit of video editing.

I have always liked the thought of custom building a desktop, Is this a good idea and would I be better off with a top side or another laptop?

Many Thanks