I do use Windows XP, so I may give the Microsoft IMEs a go, once I've had time properly to look into them. But whatever I end up with, it will have to have Pinyin input. I did once learn Bopomofo, but it's fairly rusty, and I much prefer Pinyin, anyway. I don't want to go anywhere near a Wubi-input system, as the one Wubi dictionary I used as a student nearly drove me insane. So, as far as I'm concerned, it will have to be a Pinyin-input system. If that means investing in NJStar Communicator, so be it. But, as I said, it will have to wait at least a few more weeks, as I'm going to be frightfully busy for the next few weeks.

Thanks for your input! Much appreciated. :-)