I'll admit that when Windows 8 first arrived it wasn't clear to me what the appeail might be for users. A user interface (UI) with controls to be used a lot but were hidden from the operator didn't make a lot of sense to me. It didn't help that the UI was intended to be used on devices allowing touch operation as well as conventional mouse and trackpad systems. It seemed that Microsoft was trying to do too much with the UI in order to appeal to the broadest market possible.
This dual mode of operation that has evolved over time works fairly well and I enjoy using Windows 8 as a result. It took time but I have settled into an easy system of using Windows 8. Touch in Metro, trackpad/keyboard in desktop mode.
That's come crashing down as I am testing a new ThinkPad that lacks a touch screen. This 14-inch laptop (review of the T431s coming soon) is a great laptop in every way. It is thin and light yet powerful and good for both the consumer and enterprise crowds. It is the poster child for Windows 8 use, except it doesn't have a touch screen.
Windows 8 without touch is like a day without sunshine | ZDNet