Have newer tv with side plugs and no hard line phone, use only cell.

This shouldn't matter

Will purchase: laptop- what kind of ram ?

I watch some tv on my computer. 2MB is adequate. For a lap top be sure to get one with good heat dispersal. I have a fairly cheap gateway laptop that tends to run hot after a couple of hours on my bed. This has interfered with my wireless connection at times

any other hardware/cords? to purchase?

If you want to transfer downloads from computer to TV tou will need TIVO or something similar and a wireless connection to your TV. Some of the stuff available can be easily downloaded some can't. Some (like Veoh) specialize in downloadable stuff. If your TV is pretty new it may have a usb port. If it doesn't, I would be stymied. I am not aware of any other way to connect TV and computer. You might be able to run a cable but I have no idea offhand how that would be configured.

Best way to watch tv, use "hulu", or what?

hulu is god and the suggestions by alcaray are also good. Many of the networks offer viewing service from their websites. I am not sure about downloading

Do I need any upgrades in computer for clear, non-interupted viewing?

My desktop pc is near top of the line 2005 vintage with 2mb ram, media center and a ton of HD memory. It works fine for anything TV related. For today anything reasonable with Vista should do nicely.

And suggestions for internet provider for best cost/speed

For movie downloads you are going to need cable internet. I hear good things about ATT uverse. It is not available everywhere and for their fastest service they are not much cheaper than cable.

In the end it is a lot about what you like. If you are the one that doesn't go directly to the current release aisle at Blockbuster and you like re-runs and old movies it is for you. If you know exactly what you are looking for, it is for you. Computer TV is tough browsing. You will be surfing through thousands of old bad TV series and movies to find the occasional jewel.

I use the computer to catch series episodes or movies I miss, but I never browse for anything.