here here!!!! ive been reading the same crap from ppl too .......... to learn someting new.... ive been using vista home premium for the last six months and it is a great operating system... (little too much on secuity) but the 3d and transparent windows and media center improvents make xp look like my old trash 80 as far as im concerned..... yes i had to replace some hardware, but it was getting old anyway and yes the software manufacturers kinda dropped the ball, but they are catching up quickly now. i would reccomment vista to anyone. great observation on your part... by the way, i cried when 3.1 went by the wayside... lol j.r.