>>>>>So, if $50 is not an issue, I'd say go with the Developer's version.
>>>>
>>>>Thank you. Most of the acronyms/tools you mentioned I don't know much about so I can live without, right now. But never know in the future. My main concern is that if I go with Developer's edition I can have a database of fairly large size (since I will be testing customer data and it is probably big). Also, I want to be able to use SSMS with SQL Server 2008.
>>>
>>>SSMS is included in SQL Server Express edition with Advanced Tools. However, there are many important additions in Developer's version other Express version, which pays in favor of Development version.
>>
>>Are you saying that if I buy Developer Edition I won't have SSMS? Or I can download it separately? Or can I use the one I user now with SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition with SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition?
>
>No, I'm saying that Express edition with Advanced Tools includes SSMS.
>
>Developer Edition includes SSMS and all other goodies (just be careful when you install so you can install components you need).
>
>I recently installed SQL Server 2008 Developer R2 edition on two computers. One had Express with Advanced Tools installed already, so I just upgraded it.
>
>Another had standard edition installed, so I un-installed it and installed Developer's edition.

Thank you very much. I get a better picture now.