If you're choosing XP over Vista, I fully understand. I did the same after a week with Vista.
One week, 1.5 days with Vista, I have 2 gb of ram in my machine, but with vista, I feel as if i'm only able to utilize 1gb. besides, all Vista really offers, to me anyway, is the latest Direct X, and a look that is surprisingly similar to some of the windowblinds themes.