vista sucks in the amount of RAM it requires. there are things I like about it better ... let me see.
-security. i have yet to see any virus warnings or spyware since i've started using vista. windows defender + firefox = great, IMHO
-speed. I agree with Ian on this one - Vista w/2GB RAM works fine. However, the same amount of RAM with XP would be faster, there's no question.
-visual - the aero flip interface is nice but i never really use it. however, the thumbnails over the minimized taskbar windows are a nice, actually useful feature (like when you are running multiple instances of a program). i saw a hack to make them bigger, i can't remember where though.
-user account control - yes this feature is annoying - but certain programs (like adobe reader) are always trying to update - and i can stop them using this program. The real advantage is for people who get spyware and have things installing without them realizing it.
-readyboost - add a flash drive or SD card - BAM - almost like "new RAM"
-wireless networking - let's face it, wireless networking in XP was not great (and it was terrible in XP SP1, SP2 made it tolerable). It works very well in Vista. no complaints.
i can think of more, but those are just off the top of my head. Vista SP1 has a formal release soon - it should be better with that.
what I WISH vista had - remote desktop on home premium. why is that so hard? xp home didn't have it either.
RDP is more of a service application, probably why it's not in home edition. It's going to be targetted at end users who want a cheap system with cheap software, and having services like this constantly running in the background could cripple the system.
yeah, but come on - it couldn't be that hard to include. I use LogMeIn and that works great (and it runs in the taskbar all the time), but sometimes it's annoying to install. I'd rather use RDP and just be done with it.