Changing first column in lists

[rparsons1000]

I am trying to create a list for an equipment checkout. The first column, I want to be a drop down which I can create and make it the first via the view. I also want it to be the hyperlinked column, not the "Name" column which comes up by default. How can I change this behavior?

 

[rparsons1000]

I just noticed that I can use Front Page to change the view to a Data View and create a hyperlink for the column but would also have to pass the ID#. Is this the only way to do it? I am trying to make this possible for the end user to create using default views without resorting to Front Page.