I just got an started using VB Express. Yes, it's a bit different, but it works great. You do have to learn a new way of writing things, but it's "the new way of doing things" according to Micro$oft.

If you use the "Upgrade Wizard", you can take your older VB6 type programs and import them into VB Express without much problem at all. VB Express uses a bunch of compatibility files to make it work with the old code just fine. Took me about 2 minutes to get an old serial port program with with VB Express...and the price was right too...
JDG