Photog101:
I always had one problem or another with Windows 95/98/ME, but XP has been great.
Have never had a Blue screen of Death with XP either.
XP is, as some say, a menory hog. It was designed for more graphics. Something like MAC is. I have 512MB of Memory, but I can go to 1 GB. The more memory the smoother it runs.
I bought a Toshiba A75-s206 laptop last august, about $1100.00. It has XP home because I don't need all the fancy stuff that PRO has. We needed something small for the RV.
If I get rich I'll buy a MAC for heavy graphics work.
I just received my Direcway Satellite [Dustyfoot], but it is raining almost constantly here on the Oregon coast and I have to set it up. It's on a tripod.
I'm now using my Laptop with my Verizon Card and it is just running smooth.
It is hard to save money on these new technologies but it has worked out for me.
Just research before you buy and keep to well known dealers if you buy on the internet. Check out "Newegg.com. Good reputation and good prices.