if you somehow have the option to run xp pro with the same ressources as running vista, go for xp. i use vista on a 3gb ram, 2,21ghz core duo notebook and its really comfortable. I've seen many(and mostly) notebooks which which cant handle vista as well as mine. you can read about how vista should be running on 2gb ram, but i say take at least 3gb! the more the better, of couse. so i guess the ressource problem is the biggest contra of vista. oh and forget about home basic, its clearly garbage!