My pathetic attempt

[Kp]

Not to be picky, but that's also an old version.

True, but v1.4 based JVMs / Java compilers are still fairly common (at least in my area).   So, it seemed appropriate to point him at that one since it'd a good bet that he'll have access to that, whereas 1.5 is (afaik) new enough that not everyone will have it installed yet.

[iago]

True, but v1.4 based JVMs / Java compilers are still fairly common (at least in my area).   So, it seemed appropriate to point him at that one since it'd a good bet that he'll have access to that, whereas 1.5 is (afaik) new enough that not everyone will have it installed yet.

Yes, I agree, I still point people at 1.4.2 as well.  However, it was worthwhile noting that you were recommending against an old version for that reason, yet still prompted an old version