Welcome to Windows EightForums, TwistedChi.
The best way to find out is to use it yourself. Perhaps visit a computer store to try it first. Preferably a MS store where you'll get more skilled help and better answers to your questions. There is a bit more of a learning curve than coming from other previous Windows editions, however not as bad as the press made it out to be.
I find the system much better to be personally organized due to the Start Screen vs Start Menu. Placing and arranging app, file, folder, IE favorite, weather, world times, news, etc. tiles in an order you prefer, not the way MS saw fit with the non-comunicative Start Menu. Here's a short video:
Start screen - Windows tutorial
The overall system is quicker in transferring/sharing data with others via the Charms and apps working in conjunction. Via the Desktop app/portal Charm included.
Kind of an old test, but fairly accurate:
http://usabilitygeek.com/windows-8-vs-windows-7-speed-and-performance-testing/
Faster system boot, but with a "quality real-time" faster boot:
http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/16379-real-quality-boot-time-8-verses-7-a.html
I found that it works just as well with mouse and/or keyboard as 7 with much more added support for touch and/or stylus.
If using multiple devices it's miles ahead of the others.
You may also want to compare editions:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32281-compare-windows-8-1-editions.html
Lastly, it runs faster on my older Acer than 7 did.