Longhorn needs more work, that is obvious. It has come along way from the original release. Driver support, software support, etc.. should be improved... but this is a pre Alpha.. therefore it will take time to improve. when it does, you can be guaranteed the real longhorn release will most likely look far different from the current release.

Windows 2003 server really is a solid OS, as long as you need a Server as an operating system. I personally have never needed one, but soon I will. It will be a learning experience for me as it is now