Installing a new hard drive isn't all that much of a jump from getting the case open to install RAM.
Here's a guide for doing that yourself as well.
As for recommendations, would you be buying it right now? If so, I'd probably recommend a MacBook. It's a lot cheaper (as BBB mentioned) and therefore might allow you an upgrade in a couple of years if you need be. I've been using my MB happily for over 1 and a half years in University and it's been a great notebook to have around! That said, you wouldn't be sorry purchasing a MBP either.