Hi,
I have just installed ISE 5.2i + SP1 in my PC (w2k + SP3).
The only reason I removed 5.1i and then installed 5.2i is to have a look to the Sp@rt@n 3 family.
I have run a couple of tests. I rebuild a V!rtex 2 design, XC2V1000 and it still works
which is really good (91% Slices used).
I built the same 2V1000 design in an Sp@rt@n 3 3S1000 and it uses only 62%. I've heard that S3 have the same architecture than V2 with different geometry but it seems bigger in size. I mean 2V1000 is 5120 Slices and 3S1000 is 7680. That is a lot, I had a look with FPGA Editor to the device and is really a 'lower' performance V!rtex 2. We'll see the price.
I also noticed that S3 have only been charaterised in -4 speed grade.
They look promising, and the 1.2V core voltage is interesting. But is a new geometry so I don't know if they will get it right or not.
I also wanted to have a look to XST which improves a lot every release, as qlyus also said. I noticed that 5.1i XST was much better than 4.2i.
I also wanted to have a look to XPower but no chance yet.
Regards,
-Maestor