VMs are not what i would consider "general usage" but workstation. It's more of a special case. In that case, i agree 40GB being small, but i also said, it's enough for core apps, like OS, office suite, and other programs most users need on a daily basis.
I have 2x32GB SSD for W7, apps, and even the few games i have installed (CSS, COD MW2, HoN), and still have only used 32,4GB. Although, i don't do heavy workstation stuff. The things that could fit that bill goes on my 300GB Velociraptor.

I have a 32GB Vertex in my laptop, and my parents have a 32GB Mtron Pro in their livingroom PC, and a 32GB Vertex in their HTPC (and a WD GP disk for media in both). They have been like constanly ever since i installed it, and have had no complaints whatsoever. My sister has even pointed out she things it's something wrong with her friends computers when she uses one of theirs.