Vista vs. XP has been an issue/question. I'm not an IT guy. WE have one on this forum. However, that stated, I will tell you that having just bought two new computers, DELL Desktop T7400 with 3.0 GHz microprocessor and M6300 laptop with 2.5 gHz microprocessor) one reason now was that I did NOT want to be forced to accepting VISTA. Nearly everytime Microsoft came out with a new OS there were problems and problems, requiring patches. XP Pro has been "bullet-proof" (stable-stable-stable, though there have been two service packs).

DELL claims MS will stop shipping OEM XP Pro sometime in June (probably later).

Another reason to not get Vista is that one's programs will run if (1) new and Vista compatible: (2) "current-enough" to run.

Sorry Mr. Gates. Not for me.