Should I get Windows Vista or XP?

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One thought: Anyone contemplating a *voluntary* move from XP to Vista (as opposed to having to replace a broken machine) might want to wait and see what enhancements Windows 7 will offer. XP should work just fine for the next few years, but if money is no object and you don't mind changing your OS and/or computer again in about 12 - 18 months... :-)

The one element of Vista that I find personally compelling is the integrated search. One tap of the "Windows" key and I'm off and typing. I have files on my machine that are over 15 years old (yes, from the Win31 days), so sometimes it's difficult to find a specific document - the Vista search makes it easier.

I know that there are bolt-on versions of several search engines for other versions of Windows, but I enjoy the ease of use in the Vista integrated search.

Count me as a happy Vista user.

For a comprehensive list of the benefits of Vista over XP, check here:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/xpsp3_02.asp

Despite the naysayers I've been using Vista Ultimate for a few months and love it.

I've got a new laptop with Vista Home Basic preinstalled, and it works just fine, no problems or headaches. (I've been using Windows since the 3.1 days, so I feel confident in making any comparison.)

And to Mary: Good advice, yes, but be aware that Windows 7 (or so the rumor goes) may not be offered as an upgrade to XP.

I've used Vista. I'm not impressed.
What gets me is that it doesn't add that much over XP, but requires 2-3 times the system requirements of XP to run.

Give me XP any day, if I must use Windows, as the hardware it isn't using to run the OS can be used on other applications.

IMO XP is superior to Vista in that XP is not burdened with all the "FLUFF" of Vista. Of course most of the visual candy can be turned off in Vista and it runs much much better. I am some what of a purist with my computers and I want them to perform. I could care less about pretty pictures and animated menus. I am baffled by why MS felt it necessary to arbitrarily modify the GUI just enough to confuse people. My guess it is mostly marketing. BTW - how about that Office 2007 GUI? Good Grief.....

Like the person asking the question, I thought long and hard about getting a Vista PC. I couldn't wait any longer and bought one with Vista Ultimate 64-bit. I have had absolutely no problems, not even with an external Sony DVD/CD burner that is 4 years old. I admit I have 2 XP computers to fall back on. At this point, I'm glad I decided to buy a new PC with Vista rather than upgrading an older one. I'm particularly enjoying the Media Center extended via XBox. As far as Windows 7 is concerned, I'm reading that the new Vista machines will be able to upgrade to the new OS. Hope so, anyway.

Hi Leo,
You should revisit 64 bit vista, it's stable and tight.

I've been using Vista Ultimate 64-bit for about 8 months. I tried to upgrade from XP but had too many issues. I did a clean intall and it's been running great. Media center and the the interface with the 360 is great.

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