Given that you have been using Windows 8 for at least some time, and you love it over Ubuntu... I am now wondering why there’s so much cynicism against Windows 8...Maybe it’s because of Microsoft’s past record.
I haven’t been using LINUX for some time, but did they have a record of sloppy releases like Windows ME and Windows Vista?
That is certainly the reason. I decided to check it out on a whim, but have avoided Windows releases like the plague after the ME disaster. I don't have a choice on my office computers, as we need to interface with DOD sites daily and there is no option other than Windows. At home though, I have been happy with Linux.
The look and interface of GUI is completely different - you have the choice of using the traditional desktop (it resides as a tile on the new homescreen). You can add apps and tiles to the homescreen and roll through them horizontally with your mouse - it's a nice touch, everything is full screen when you open it, and stability is amazing.
The full retail version will only be $69.00 for the last three months of this year - it goes up in January. An upgrade will only be $14.00 for the first three months. For $70.00 it is well worth checking it out.
The boot time, even on an old Celeron processor is impressive (under 10 seconds).