Handle Vista Or XP Version

I am presently using 96SE. my ISP no longer supports this version as do some programs....my unit is not powerful enough for either xp or vista I am in my eighties and some of my colleagues tell me that vista has a pretty high learning curve, have found both windows 95 and 95se very user friendly. I can get a new unit from Dell loaded with either XP or Vista, i would like to keep current but do not want to become overwhelmed by new technology. I am not a power user but did not find the older window operating system too challenging, the tasks i presently perform are pretty basic my question is given my age and experience level could i handle Vista or should i opt for the XP version.