Vista right now will not be a improvement on performance. XP is still the faster OS. But you will need it if youplanon playing games such as Halo 2, Crysis and that. The newer games are all made for Vista so you will eventually have to get Vista. It just isnt a must have right now.
The OEM versions are cheaper. But you only get 1 activation with them. If you go Vista go with Home Premium. there is only 3 Ultimate Extras and they do not make up for the big price difference. To have BitLocker (Useless if you lose you password you lose this info in the BitLocker app), Texas Hold Em Poker, and Dreamscene. ( App to allow a .gif as a background) Home Premium has everything you could need from Vista. Aero, and Media Center.
The OEM versions are cheaper. But you only get 1 activation with them. If you go Vista go with Home Premium. there is only 3 Ultimate Extras and they do not make up for the big price difference. To have BitLocker (Useless if you lose you password you lose this info in the BitLocker app), Texas Hold Em Poker, and Dreamscene. ( App to allow a .gif as a background) Home Premium has everything you could need from Vista. Aero, and Media Center.