If you're a keyboard centric user, the start menu's not a huge loss as one would think. I used to think it was a big deal until I realized I stopped using the

If you're a keyboard centric user, the start menu's not a huge loss as one would think. I used to think it was a big deal until I realized I stopped using the Dock on OSX in favor of Spotlight to launch stuff. When I started using Win8 and learned that I basically could keep the same habits by hitting the Windows key and typing the first few characters of what I wanted to launch, I stopped caring about the start menu. I used to think the idea of a touchscreen laptop was stupid, but Win8 works for me, and my main machine is still a Macbook Pro. I have a Surface Pro that I use in place of my original iPad, and I think Win8 is quite good in tile mode or desktop mode. It's still hurting in the area of power management though.