Yeah, people perceive things differently so I'm not slamming Win8 in any way. It's just really not to my liking at all with the Modern UI and all that. I don't have any touch devices where I use Win8 and don't think I'll get one either. It's stable as heck, but so was Win7 for me on the same hardware so I don't mind going back a version. I just happen to like it a whole lot more than Win8. At least so far. Like I said, I'm really curious of what Win8.1 will bring to the table and will be testing it over the weekend as I close down business for the summer vacation. Who knows, maybe I'll stick with it on my DAW

Re the start button - I agree. I always use the windows key anyway. I don't care that it is gone.
 
The Charms bar is almost a deal breaker for me. I feel I get aggravated whenever it turns up when I don't want it. Besides, I find it's functionality to disrupt my interaction with the OS. I might as well just get rid of it

The Modern UI is only there if you want it. I look at it as two OSs in one. One for apps and one for programs. I go directly to my desktop when I boot up my machine. Because I have the Classic Start Menu. There is also Start 8. The point is that Windows 8 offers all that Windoes 7 did plus the ability to run apps. 
 
This preview which I am still trying to DL should add some useful things. 
 
 
 
 

Yeah, I know John. I've been using Win8 daily since it came out and have gotten to know it quite well. But for some reason it just doesn't fit with me. It's a good concept I guess but it just doesn't suit me. I'm not able to pin point a specific thing that bugs me, it's the sum of all it's parts I guess. I find myself really miss Win7 and that environment.

When I was shopping around for a new laptop lately, I decided that I didn't want any of them because of windows 8. The best thing I can compare it with is that I prefer shoes from Vans or Adidas because Nike and Converse aren't as comfortable on my feet

Sorry to drag feet into this btw

Anyway, Win8.1 is downloading right now so I'm off to the pub while waiting. Cheers!

i've had no problems with Win8 running Sonar X2a at all,its been great for me.the only problem i have is my Nvidia display drivers dont like win8,ive tried everything. when i start my computer,it some times gives me a blank screen and stops booting up,i use dual screens so i boot to the onboard video using one monitor then back to nvidia and were rolling again,doesnt happen in win7 at all just need a new computer..........any donations

ProjectM you have every right to like whatever you want. I'm not here to dictate what you or anyone else should like. 
 
I will say I like Windows 8. I'm glad that I do. 

I tried sending the point home that windows 8 is faster than windows 7 but I got laughed at.
I like windows 8 but there are a few things about it that I could do with out.
I wish there was a way to disable somethings and customize others.

I know John, and I'm only offering my opinion here. I truly respect that yours differs from mine

ProjectM
The Charms bar is almost a deal breaker for me. I feel I get aggravated whenever it turns up when I don't want it. Besides, I find it's functionality to disrupt my interaction with the OS. I might as well just get rid of it

The upper hot corner can be disabled now so you don't accidentally open up the charms bar.

Really? How do I do that? That's good news Soundtweaker!