Is there a technical basis for your avoidance, or is it a personal preference?
I find the gadgets one of the most appealing features of Vista. My favorites are: Multi Meter(D) [memory/memory use-bar graph cpu utilization(s)], AccuWeather, Uptime, Vista Calculator.

What I haven't been able to find is a useful Calendar program. One which allows one to post: alarms, reminders, . . . <-- Anyone seen this animal?