Damn, lost a whole reply
Thanks all, for the advice. Touchscreen is indeed out of the question. Stupid idea
I say keep the XP on one computer, then buy a new one with 7 or 8.
I've been buying a new 2000 euro comp every 2 years (alternating desktop/laptop), but that has been out of the question since I got a gf&kid. Laptop is over 6yrs old btw, that one is up next, anyway. Pregnant girlfriend also did NOT appreciate me spending that much on hardware-for-personal-use...
Win8 is a lot like Win7, if you scratch the new UI (which is apparently possible), so the difference is minimal. The kernel of win8 is apparently somewhat faster in booting and multitasking, and has a lot better multi-monitor support. Just found out that Win8 was only officially released a few days ago, so there's not that many real (non-biased-press) reviews, yet... There are a lot of "love it or hate it"-type reviews out there.
Currently leaning towards 8, but I'll re-read the internet in about a week or two. If it turns out to be a Win ME, I'll pass, but up until now it looks just marginally better than 7.
I'd just like to say I love the way Vista isn't even considered.
BWAHAHAHA
Had to use it at work, for about two years. It worked, but hated every time I had to do something "OS"-y. I had that same experience cleaning up the Win7 OEM Work-laptop for my gf, had to reinstall that shit 3 times because something apparently screwed up.