As long as you have at least 2GB of RAM Vista is fine, in fact on new PCs with updated drivers I have found the user interface to be far more quick and responsive than XP. I've been using it on a laptop since it came out and I don't get the big deal about all the Vista critisism even pre SP1. Sure I've had a few BSODs but not on a regular basis and I cannot remember the last time I properly restarted my laptop, it always goes into standby day in day out.
Before I added the extra 1GB of RAM to make it 2GB, I agree, it was an absolute pig, but since then, not a single problem. With the cost of RAM these days I really don't see the issue.
Never argue with idiots
They bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience