My experiences with XP pro have not been as good as with XP. XP pro seems to have quirky video display issues on some 'older' (2000) computers (the screen "twitches") and on one computer XP Pro proved too cumbersome for it, and it would slow down and then freeze up entirely, eventually requiring a complete reformat and reloading of regular XP.

I know pro has some extra features, but I never used them and I just don't think the extra money or potential troubles are worth it. I'd also go for the full version of XP.

While were on the topic of upgrades:

Is it me or are these new "flat" screen video monitors more subject to weird color issues? I am tempted to get the LCD flat panels but I've yet to see one that doesn't do that fading bit if you don't look at it dead on and I fear that any extensive text reading and composing would become an eye-reddening issue.

While they seem to be infinitely more convenient and space saving - on a desktop system I wonder if such a benefit outweighs the strain factor?

SDAI-Tech1