As someone who has used Windows 8, and recently moved back to a PC with Windows 7. I think 8 is actually an improvement. Lots of little UI things that I really like (the copy dialog is much improved).
Sure, there are things that need improving. I sincerely hope I can turn off the start button in Win 8.1 rtm.
What GUI changes are jarring? I've been using it for 6 months and I would not go back to 7 because of the GUI changes alone. I'm starting to think I'm the only one that actually likes 8.
You aren't. I really like it but the disconnect between old style apps and the new style is jarring. The new apps and interface would be great on a tablet but feels clunky on my old laptop with a bad track pad. Also searching has been compartmentalized so to do some searches you need to type Win+w and know why you search is blank. Of course Win+r is still there so in practice its pretty easy to avoid.
Personally, I think MS should have kept Metro to touch devices and the regular Windows UI for desktops/laptops. There was no need to have to two merged.
Launching apps is jarring. I'd rather an on screen launcher. I wasn't the biggest fan of the start menu, but I hate flipping between the start screen and the desktop.
That was the most jarring bit for me too. I read that 8.1 allows using the desktop background for the Start Screen background so I'm hoping it'll be less jarring.
I agree. Windows 8 feels much better than Windows 7. You have to keep in mind I am a Ubuntu user who loves Unity. Many people resist changes like this. The same kind of resistance is to be expected from users who actually like Windows 7.
I must add, however, I switched back to Ubuntu on the first opportunity.
As someone who has used Windows 8, and recently moved back to a PC with Windows 7. I think 8 is actually an improvement. Lots of little UI things that I really like (the copy dialog is much improved).
Sure, there are things that need improving. I sincerely hope I can turn off the start button in Win 8.1 rtm.