18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G with VR or 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G II with ED?

VR or ED? This will be my only Nikon lens for a while.

18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G with VR

I'd get the new ED version because the ED glass will get you better image quality. Don't worry about VR in an 18-55 kit lens. It's not very effective in wide angle and normal focal ranges. Shake doesn't get very pronounced until you're in the telephoto range.

I've shot both extensively. The VR also has ED glass. It's a slightly improved lens over the II, the VR is a nice bonus to have, I'd go for that.