I must be in a minority.
Presently running 7 desktops (XP 64) and 2 laptops (XP and Win7/ex-Vista).
Apart from my Vista laptop (from which I removed the HD and installed a new HD with Windows 7 Ultra 64) all have been faultless - no crashes, no down-time. I can adjust them as I wish, not just plug-and-play.
I can only reiterate that Windows 7 is truely a class product. My laptop is now fluid and perky (use it for HD video editing, 3d rendering and other heavy tasks). Really useable in daily use. However, Vista warrants all the criticism it gets.
Utter pile of cobbled together sluggish, unresponsive nonsense = AVOID.
About creativity. It doesn't really matter what tool you use. You don't need the latest MK IX self-sharpening, laser assisted graphite writing implement if you are skilled with a pencil.
But overall, in Pete's case it is down to his son's wishes.
D.