True, but then you have to go back one version for your entire OS. With Linux I can still run a 3.2.x kernel along with a different WM like XFCE , Fluxbox or X

True, but then you have to go back one version for your entire OS. With Linux I can still run a 3.2.x kernel along with a different WM like XFCE , Fluxbox or XMonad. This is especially nice because you can buy a $99 ebay laptop and convert it into a useful machine without being stuck with Windows XP.