64 bit your opinions please...

Hello all! I am currently running a 32 bit MSi board with and AMD
athlon 2500+. I have been thinking of taking the plunge and moving to
the 64 bit world. To do this I am thinking of getting an MSI 64 bit
Neo4 Platinum and powering it with an AMD 64x2 4200 processor. My
question/dilema is this: Given that Microsoft still hasn't gotten a
truly ready for prime time operating system out to us and there is a
considerable lack of drivers and programs what advantage is there to
moving to this platform now? If I do the upgrade will my current
windows programs run 'faster'? When executed will I see a noticeable
increase to justify the upgrade expense? While someone else stated that
'something' new will always be coming around the bend how much more (of
something you really really need) can be added to a board that has
pretty much everything now? If popular do you believe the cost of the
hardware will come down as more will be buying or stay up because of
the same reason? I don't mind paying the $$'s as long as there is a
return on my investment. ANY and ALL responses and opinions are
welcome... Thanks...