i know its out of season, but im looking for a pair of 3/4 season boots that are compatible with 12 point crampons as im looking at getting into a bit of winter mountaineering.

has anyone got any suggestions or technical info i should know before buying a pair?

Meindl, Raichle, Scarpa, Asolo, Salomon and many others all do good B2 boots, which I guess is what you're after. Get the ones that fit you best, then buy the crampons that fit them best.

Never use boots that heavy any more myself -- I prefer approach shoes with Kahtoola crampons, but then that's for walking rather than climbing.

Which reminds me -- I've got a pair of Asolo Peak boots, with GTX linings, hardly worn, size 47, that I'm trying to get rid of...

As others have said, buy boots to suit your long term aspirations. I started off with heavy B2's (Scarpa Mantas) then realised that most of my winter action was going to be mountaineering / climbing so bought B3's. I've then recently sold my Manta's and bought some lightweight B2's for the alps.

So it all depends what you want to do. Either way I'd recommend going for some of the new fangled lightweight synthetic boots rather than heavy leathers.

 Buy the boots from a store which will allow you to return them within a certain time as long as you haven't worn them outside. A few of the best shops will do this and it means they make sure the fit is good for a start and it gives you some leeway incase you make a mistake with fit and feel.

 I have Scarpa Mantas and Sportiva Trango S which are both great but very different. Grivel G12's which are also very good although I haven't got out as much as I like lately. Get the boots which feel best for you and be realistic when you tell the fitter what you are going to be doing in them.