Hi,
I've been using Windows 8 on my new non-touch work laptop for a month now, and I actually love it. Its extremely fast and once you overcome the urge to click the start button, use the shortcut keys, its very easy to use.
I'm in IT, so I am able to customize it to my liking. But I really don't miss the start button, and I do love the concept of Apps. There are some nice free apps in the store.
For those who really miss the start button, there are heaps of apps that can restore it for you.
i've tried it and it works really well.
http://www.classicshell.net/
more details here
http://www.infoworld.com/d/microsoft...08963?page=0,1
and just like how you used to click on start and type the name of the program you want, you press the windows key and type the name, it searches it for you.
My wife got a new laptop with win8, and she's the typical user who doesn't have the patience to change IT habits, but she's also warmed up to it now.
Same with my work colleagues. I'd never go back to win7. I'm no big fan of microsoft, but its mainly the speed that impresses me.
I use an X1 Carbon, and it boots up windows 8 from a complete shutdown in 7 seconds.
Cheers