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I am tempted to get a new PC to replace my very faithful 4+ years current main PC. I want the new PC to serve me well for a couple of years.

I would appreciate any input on the best choices to make:

Windows XP / Windows Vista

Intel /AMD (32 bits or 64 bits)

Processor type/speed (I prefer value for money)

Internal memory size 2 GB or 4 GB

Any motherboard issues

1 or 2 internal hard drives.
When I got my present PC it was recommended to have two drives, but this may not be necessary any more? I use external USB drives with great success.

Anything else to think about?

As VS12 is still not available in the US I know it is hard to ask for recommendations on the best platform, but till more info is available I am interested in any idea based on current VS versions.

Maybe VS12 will be out in September with marketing saying: Edit your summer videos in the new Videostudio 12.

I would get the most powerful you can afford. When I bought mine 4 or 5 years ago I did just that to help future-proof it. I still have no problem editing videos, although I must say I am still in SD world. Moving up to HD will necessitate a new pc.

As far as XP/Vista is concerned I would try to get both! A lot of older programs will not run on Vista, yet Vista is the wave of the future (for now). I've had limited experience with Vista (it's on my son's laptop) and don't like it very much, although part of the problem could be it's on a relatively cheap laptop.

I, too, have had no problems with external hard drives. Yet you will get other responses that will swear they are a problem when it comes to capturing/editing video. A second internal HD, if you can afford it, is not a bad idea, though.