I think one thing is clear, you NEED a touch screen to really appreciate Win8. For now, on my ultrabook, without touch screen, I will stick with Win7 despite the fact that it can handle Win8.
Absolutely agree with pkcable. At first, I was really turned off by Windows 8 consumer preview but I used it on a non- touchscreen laptop. But when I went to Bestbuy later to try the new windows 8 laptops I was really blown away by how the experience completely changed! Microsoft has a great product, but it will take time for people to switch and learn how to use it.
Touch screen IS the only way to truly appreciate W8. And if your hardware is worth what you paid for it, the touchpad has very capable gestures to accommodate UI. Touch IS the next interface. MS did a pretty good job with layout. But like others have stated, if I didn't have touch, I would just stick with W7. Also, boot time on W8 is like 10sec compared to 1-2min on W7. Worth the upgrade for that alone.
I almost completely disagree with you guys. On the "need" point I disagree completely. Does it enhance the experience? Yes. "need" it though. Not at all. First let me point out that you can live completely on the desktop with W8 without requiring the start Modern UI screen OR a menu button. Unless you really do have 500 programs installed all of which you use often it's very little trouble to pin all but your most seldom used programs to either your desktop or taskbar. Problem solved folks, you need only ever see the ModernUI screen on bootup and that's it. Now you can Mouse/KB all day just like you did with W7.
Second and more important point, Windows 8 is faster than 7, and has more stability features built right into the OS. For example you can "refresh" windows 8 to a clean re-install right from your settings menu, either a completely wipe and reinstall or a reinstall that keeps your personal files. Roll up your sleeves and get down and dirty with how-to's on windows 8 before you pass your judgements on exactly what it's about and how it works after just a few days
On a serious note, I really do believe "drive-by" quick users of Windows 8 are responsible for 80% or more of the rapid judgements people, including reviewers, are giving it. You need to really spend a longer time to reach your comfort zone. Did you learn all your favorite Windows 7 optimizing tips and tricks in a week or two? I'm betting you all were still discovering "AHA!" things about W7 6 months later just like everyone else.
Look under the hood at the engine people, don't just look at the bodywork and cabin. Faster kernel, more stable, uses better drivers, there are better tools in 8 to analyze and run your PC, faster rendering software, and much more. Your "need touchscreen" quickie judgements are like saying the only difference between a 1970's Camaro and the new modern version released a couple of years ago is that the new one uses a key fob to unlock your doors. Does Windows 8 have a "killer feature" you must have to make you upgrade from 7 if you're using mouse/KB? No not really. But for just $40 on the possibility I will at some point go touch? Um hello, heck yeah!