you are comparing a vinyl window compared to a wood window with a vinyl cladding. their is a very big difference, hence the pricing difference. If budget is not a concern go with the Andersen. Also never heard of Milgard vinyl windows so i can't really tell you much about them, but good luck if you have a warranty issue with Jeld-wen, it will be a nightmare for you.

My background-16 years in window service for a window dealer that sells mostly Andersen product. Personally, I prefer the A Series to the E Series. Not to complicate your decision unnecessarily, but have you looked at th 400 Series vinyl wrapped? It's not the typical vinyl look, and we use that product in very high end lake homes most the time. It's a proven, durable product, available in 7 colors(at least, can't remember if they added more this year). The A series does offer a few more colors and custom interior finishes, however. The E Series offers the most customization, it's just not as proven or user friendly, IMHO. Tip... Whichever one you go with, consider the VeriLock option if you have a security system-there is an extra cost upfront, but no extra cost for security sensors later and no exposed sensors/wires. And you'll be able to not only tell if the windows & doors are closed, but also if they are locked.

IMO the Andersen 100 all-composite (PVC & sawdust) window is absolutely the ugliest window ever made regardless of any other redeeming features and I am aware of none. It has a bug-eyed appearance with no shadow lines and the top sash doesn't move for ventilation or tilt for cleaning. This window is obviously modeled after builder grade vinyl windows which puts them in a bad category to begin with. The Jeld-Wen Siteline is a roll-formed aluminum clad wood window. That alone puts it in a superior category but extruded aluminum cladding would, of course, be better (the roll-formed models rely on pressure treatment to prevent the wood rot that plagued the industry for so long) I would look at them carefully to be sure the roll-formed aluminum is well applied (overlaps at corners like Pella?). At least this window (with the optional 1" or 2" SILL NOSE added) has a traditional residential appearance with the appropriate sash placement, shadow lines and proportions that is totally absent in the Andersen 100. Black aluminum will be far more reliable than any kind of vinyl or composite material, however, I strongly recommend DARK BRONZE instead of BLACK. It will look softer and less harsh now and it will age better. DARK BRONZE is what you think is BLACK on modern aluminum storefronts. At least look at samples next to each other. JELD-WEN SITELINE DETAILS (with sill nosing added) ANDERSEN 100 DETAILS

@empathie00 - I see that @millworkman recommends "LePage". Good to know that they make bad windows and don't stand behind their warranties. We are leaning towards the Jeld Wen siteline. In spite of bad rap they've gotten on these pages, I can't find a window that's aluminum clad, that is customizable enough that it will be able to get through our HOA review process, and has a better warranty (at least on paper). Jeld Wen's auralast treated pine has a lifetime warranty against wood rot and termites. I've looked long and hard and I can't find anyone who claims that Jeld Wen failed to honor their wood warranty or their 20 year warranty for other parts/components of the window (including insulated glass failure). If you know of anyone who's had this experience with Jeld Wen's warranty department for the siteline product, I'd love to chat with them. We looked at the Marvin infinities (fiberglass), but in the DC metro area, we're just getting such lousy customer service and responsiveness from the local dealer, that I've lost faith/confidence. Also, in spite of the Marvin name, the Infinities have an inferior warranty to the Jeld Wen sitelines (in several important respects). If one of fiberglass's selling points is durability, it's baffling that they'd only warranty the fiberglass portion for 10 years, and include a whole bunch of caveats and exclusions that run multiple pages. It's noteworthy that's it's cheaper to buy and install Marvin Infinities than for apples/apples wood/clad product from Jeld Wen ("Jeld Wen Siteline"). This has been a very time-consuming process. Wish there were obviously better options, but balancing product specs (e.g., Performance Grades, warranty terms, cardinal glass packages, air infiltration numbers) with trust for an installer that just happens to install this or that window -- makes the process incredibly painstaking.