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All of the examples given are discoverable, even with a mouse and keyboard IMHO - particularly given that all of the keyboard shortcuts (such as the Windows key for the start screen and Alt + F4 for closing an app) all still work.

The thing most desktop-oriented criticisms of Win8 overlook is that the overwhelming majority of computers that are going to ship with Win8 installed WILL HAVE TOUCH. Comparing the experience on an existing PC and extrapolating that to how the experience will feel on devices that are sold starting in October is Apples to Oranges.

The thing most desktop-oriented criticisms of Win8 overlook is that the overwhelming majority of computers that are going to ship with Win8 installed WILL HAVE TOUCH.

What? Why would that be? Most non-touch desktop and laptop models will continue to be non-touch but will start to come with Windows 8. These non-touch Windows devices will continue to vastly outnumber the Windows 8 tablets that are shipped, unless Surface or Windows Phone 8 devices are runaway successes beyond anybody's dreams...

Because OEMs aren't going to want to sell devices that are awkward to use with Windows 8, and this gives them a good ability to differentiate and incentivize upgrades from Win7 / Vista machines. Why do you think Microsoft announced Surface when they did?

Expect more laptops and notebooks to ship with touch screens.

That market is so price competitive (and so based on differentiation within each manufacturer's product line), that I'll be surprised if we see a huge shift toward touch screens as an "expected" feature. No doubt there will be more than there are today, of course. Guess we'll see!

Imagine having your arms in front of your face for an 8+ hour workday. That will be terrible. Chiropractors are going to make a fortune off Win8.

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