What's the big idea, Microsoft?

So today, while I was at work, I was fiddling with our test computer… Putting it together so that we can test random video cards, memory, etc. (I work as a Network Technician) Anyways, while flipping through our Microsoft Action Pack subscription package, I noticed we had Windows XP Pro x64. Now, I had heard of it, but never bothered to try it. So I figured, ”... Well why the hell not?” So I popped it in and installed it.

After the regular wait, while it installed and tried desperately to find proper universal drivers (which it couldn’t for most things [it’s okay, I had the support disk for the motherboard handy]), I finally got it booted up and ready to go. I spent less than an hour playing with it though.

It suddenly occurred to me, ”... What’s the point in this?” I mean really. Windows XP x64 has to be the bastard child of Windows XP. I realize that Microsoft was under pressure because they had not released anything new for a while… But sheeeeesh. We didn’t REALLY need another waste of time like ME. At least XP is incredibly more stable than ME… But it is still quite pointless. At the point where most programs require 64-bit processing, Windows XP will have faded out of existence anyways. Sure, there are some 64-bit programs available already… But most of them are high-end, very specialized programs for video, audio, etc.

I guess basically, my point is, ”... What gives, Microsoft? Why not release something useful instead?”

… On that note, I guess I’ll put the question to you all instead. Have any of you ever found a use for Windows XP x64? Or heard of anyone who really needed 64-bit processing right away, rather than just wait for Windows Vista?