MS Vista is not as bad as a lot of folks make out. MS bashing has been a favorite pastime of nerds for years now.
I have a Vista Ulti/Ubuntu dual boot Dell M1210 laptop and I really like it. The only proprietary thing I have on it is my ZUNE so that is really the only time I go to the Vista side anymore.
As far as the clicking goes, I think it may go away when you pass 40 or if you play drums for a few years.
