I think Apple recently updated bootcamp, making these changes:
Boot Camp 1.1.2 beta includes:
-Support for the latest Intel-based Macintosh computers
-Easier partitioning using presets for popular sizes
-Ability to install Windows XP on any internal disk
-Support for built-in iSight cameras
-Support for built-in microphones
-Support for the Apple USB Modem
-Trackpad scrolling and right-click support on Apple Laptops
-Improved Apple keyboard support including Delete, PrintScreen, NumLock, and ScrollLock keys
-Improved International Apple keyboard support
So some of the "cons" are fixed.
Apple includes a program called "Mail" which is POP3.
1GB should be enough, just don't run a lot of apps at one.
Oh, and I forgot. You are still vulnerable to viruses if you have either Parallels or Bootcamp. So if you want no viruses, just get office and you should be fine w/o XP !
