Again as many have stated before windows are a tricky purchase for many people. There are so many options /prices/ quality. You really need to get out and visit showrooms on these. See the various features, benefits. Then price them to see how they fit your budget. Look at how each operates,locks, cleans etc. Be sure they have local reps who can service them after installation and should there be any problems.

While not pushing them I would suggest you include the Windsor Legend series in your search since they meet many of your criteria. It has PVC sashes and exterior trim( pre attached) So you get white interior and exterior. Its pretty maintainence free however I dont see any window as free of maintanance as cleaning is required. Thats why you should be comfortable with how they operate etc. Their energy efficiency is in the range most are. They look pretty nice as well as you can get several different trims/ brick mouldings applied. Costs are also reasonable.

macv always recommends the Anderson Woodwright 400 (not the tilt wash 400). A step up from the 200 which is builders grade.

A question about these bigkahuna. White trim won't work on our house so we would need to paint them an off white or cream color. Does PVC hold paint longer than wood? How often would you have to repaint them?

Athens mom. I will be careful as I am no expert on them but I have been told they will hold paint much longer because they aren't absorbing moisture like wood. This then gets behind the paint, weakens wood as it rots or freezes etc so it lasts longer. Exactly how much longer I can't say but I am sure they could inform you on it. My guess is 2-4 extra years.

I have only used them twice. On my gf's house and her brother.They left them white( no paint) They should have putty /filler put on to fill nail holes but neither have to date as it has now become low priority. They seem to be decent windows but again they are not what I would consider high end. As with many products their are some things I like and some that I dont but thats usually the case with many windows. I felt the price was decent and it fit the desire and need fora nice window that was maintenance free. Her house is on steep hillside with walkout so paying to paint them and repaint them /trim down the road was a big factor. They have several lines as well. The legend is the PVC line but the sliding doors were not pvc sash just the exterior casing.

The best advice I can give anyone on windows is to research them alot and ask as many questions as you can as to why they feel their window is best/better etc. Then price them out and see how they compare. Technology on windows is always evolving and brands are always updating so its tough to stay up on the latest.

As Macv said He used a much less costly single pane window on a vacation home and saved the money and could use that to pay for extra heating /cooling or other parts of the house. Everyone has priorties that determine whats best for them. Good Luck

The Andersen 200 (I assume you mean the Tilt-Wash version) is only available in white and sandstone, has a PPG Flexicron paint coating on the wood sash and either snap-in interior grilles or flat between-the-glass mullions. Builders love this window.

The Pella window is some kind of fiberglass composite. IMHO life's too short to deal with Pella.