Ok, so did some quick experimenting this am.
I'm never coming close to 10% of the CPU's usage, so that's completely out.
RAM
When I start up: 54%
At rest once I close the system tray junk I don't need 46%
Browser adds about 10%
Stars 5% - Even with 6 windows it only goes up like 1%
Ninja 5%
PT3 10% (without HUD up)
*Here's the thing, this is all without me actually playing. So once I start playing ninja will actually DO something and jump. PT3 will jump because it's analyzing hands, HUD will come up, etc. And the Stars load should jump because I'm interacting then, right?
I can poker without a browser, that's not a problem.
I could drop ninja, but to keep up the volume I'd have to get a AHK program going or something, is that going to really make that big a difference?
The biggest thing I see is, how can I get my base 46% lower to start off with? Someone mentioned simpler window decoration - any thoughts on how I can dumb down my fancy Vista?
Thanks for the help so far guys!