sorry, have to explain first:
I am in Japan, want to buy a new computer. My friend I am staying with wants japanese OS, I need english OS.
All - almost all - new PCs sold have a japanese Vista preinstalled.
I plan to doubleboot it with an english XP. I am the one who will have to try to set up the double boot but have no prior experience handling bios, and most of all can't read japanese.

my questions:
Will I be able, with your help, to successfully install a double boot ? ( - on a japanese language only Vista, I can't read japanese )

Will it be easier if it is a japanese XP preinstalled?

Or should I give up and buy a PC with both japanese and english OS with doublebooot preinstalled? - I try to avoid this with all means, very likely would not get any PC at all, since there is only one shop offering this and it would set me back abt. 250 USD more than a PC with japanese OS only )

very grateful for any input or advice,

cheers,
kuuan