Vista Home Basic ($199.95)

Minimum System Requirements:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 512 MB of system memory
  
• 35 GB hard drive space (20 GB hard drive for just operating system files with at least 15 GB of available space for processing)
  
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
  
• DVD-ROM drive
  
• Audio Output
  
• Internet access (fees may apply)
  

Vista Premium($259.95)/Business($299.95)/Ultimate($319.95)

Minimum System Requirements:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 1 GB of system memory
  
• 55 GB hard drive space (40 GB hard drive for just operating system with at least 15 GB of available space for processing)
  
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
  
• WDDM Driver
  
• 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
  
• Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
  
• 32 bits per pixel
  
• DVD-ROM drive
  
• Audio Output
  
• Internet access (fees may apply)
  

COMPARED TO Mac OS X ($129)

Minimum System Requirements:

• Mac computer with an Intel processor
  
• 1GB of memory
  
• 5GB of free disk space for operating system
  
• DVD drive for installation
  
• Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.
  
• Some features require Apple’s MobileMe service; fees and terms apply.
  

It's crazy on how Microsoft nickel and dimed everyone with Vista.

Vista Features (Windows Vista was released January 30, 2007)

Firewall

Windows XP: included

Windows Vista: included

Mac OS X: included as of March 2001

Instant Search

Windows XP: not instant

Windows Vista: included

Mac OS X: included (its called Spotlight and was out April 29th, 2005)

Glass like menu bars

Windows XP: not included (theme install will provide similar)

Windows Vista: not included in Home, just Premium, Business and Ultimate

Mac OS X: included as of March 2001

Share documents

Windows XP: included

Windows Vista: not included in Home, just Premium, Business and Ultimate

Mac OS X: included as of March 2001

Secondary Screen

Windows XP: included (hardware based (video card) more then software)

Windows Vista: not included in Home, just Premium, Business and Ultimate

Mac OS X: included as of March 2001

All in One Media Center

Windows XP: included as an add-on

Windows Vista: not included in Home or Business, just Premium and Ultimate

Mac OS X: included as of March 2001 (iTunes can transmit video, music and photos)

Backup and Restore

Windows XP: included as sync offline files

Windows Vista: not included in Home or Premium, just in Business and Ultimate

Mac OS X: included as October 26, 2007 (Time Machine)

Scan and Fax

Windows XP: included

Windows Vista: not included in Home or Premium, just in Business and Ultimate

Mac OS X: included as of March 2001

Games

Windows XP: included

Windows Vista: not included in Home or Business, just in Premium and Ultimate

Mac OS X: included as of March 2001