18-200mm VR, any experience?

[sisforsurfing]

I've been finally looking at new lenses since, as some of you know, I've been using film lenses that aren't ideal for digital cameras. Originally I was just going to buy the $800 18-200mm VR because it seems so versatile, and, for what it is it's not too badly priced.

While I was in the local camera store I saw that I could get a kit lens (18-55mm) for $130 and the 55-200mm VR for $250. Obviously I don't get VR with the kit lens, and more importantly the convenience of not switching lenses, but I can't help but thinking saving $420 might be worth it... which is almost the price of the Sigma 12-24mm that Barry loves.

So... does anyone have the 18-200mm VR? And if so do you really, really love it and think I should spend the extra cash or just save some money?