Re: Windows XP meltdown
Windows XP, more than any other version, gives upper memory a serious workout, and many machines are not up to it.
Aside from reverting to ME (yuk! 98 v2 is MUCH better), you could also check for conflicts between Windows power saving and that from the BIOS. The Hardware Abstraction Layer in XP completely replaces the BIOS and the machine might not be letting it. ME is not clever enough to do that!
I would only look at Macs if I didn't have an investment in software - their operating system is just as buggy in different ways, though I grant you their hardware has always been better designed.
There are some great portables around now for not much money. I wouldn't waste time on a 4 year old one.
Phil
Author
The BIOS Companion