XP vs Vista for install

[bep207]

my dad just purchased an iMac 1.83 and would like to use windows for some stuff he has at work

what is the cheapest way to get a working copy of windows on his computer?

vista download? xp sp2 purchase?

where is the cheapest place to purchase xp. i am a student if that matters

thanks

 

[slackersonly]

newegg and outpost usually have windows xp home sp2 oem for $89.
i have avoided vista. my thoughts are the windows products are usually buggy until at least a sp1 is done. so any windows beta products scares me on an important computer.

 

[Compatiblepoker]

I've tested vista and it was nice but not nice enough to purcahse for a switch. If I didnt have either I would go with Vista. But yes be careful with betas. Never know.

 

[balamw]

Note also that the only current way to run Vista on Macs requires removal of OS X from the internal HDD, so it's all or nothing. XP can be dual booted or you can use Parallels.

B