I am looking for some speakers for my dorm room.

[MagnaCumLaude]

Hello Head-Fi,
 
     Like the title says, I am looking for some speakers for my dorm room.  I haven't really looked at any sort of speaker systems and just have no clue on where to go.  I have some headphones but not a nice speaker system.  I am hoping this will be a system that will can last me a while and I can use often.  As a college student I am am naturally on a budget; probably under $400.  I have a few questions for everyone.  
 
1.  Should I be using a CD Player/Record Player/ Combo for my playing or should I use a laptop? Would I have to run it through a receiver? I have a Realtek HD Audio sound card with capabilities to go 5.1 and Quadraphonic.  So the system would have to be either of those two.  
2.  Of course what would be the best setup for a small room, (5.1, 2.1, 7.1, etc.) 
3.  What speakers should I use?  I want something that is neutral, well built and just is a good set of speakers. 
4.  What am I missing?  I was thinking either
     a) CD Player/Combo thing -> Cables -> Receiver -> Speakers
     b)  Laptop -> Speakers
     c)   Laptop -> Cables ->  Receiver - > Speakers
 
Thanks Ladies and Gents, MCL

 

[MagnaCumLaude]

Ah...never mind I found some. My dad gave me his JBL LX500 speakers. 

 

[rany]

Check here http://bestpcspeakers.org/best-computer-speakers/
A good article you need to read before you buying a speaker