You can still get XP preinstalled on HP and Dell,
I know many people who HAD to get a Vista machine (bought locally), couldn't run some software or hardware that they required, and had to downgrade back to XP. Especially on laptops, this is not always possible because some manufacturers decided it wasn't worth their time to make the XP drivers. So I reccommend you buy machines that you can get either preinstalled.

Bob

>Any thoughts on the artice linked from the main UT page?
>http://www.news.com/The-XP-alternative-for-Vista-PCs/2100-1016_3-6209481.html?tag=nefd.lede
>
>I have a software product that is using a piece of hardware were Vista drivers are not available (and probably never will be unless I pay for the development), as a result of this I don't support the app on Vista. The last week I have been hearing several complaints from customer not finding XP computers. This artice gave me a lot of good information.
>
>Has anyone tried to contact M$ for this?
>
>Einar