I'm sorry.. I have to interject.. I have been hammering this new version since the day it was released. I've reinstalled it now half a dozen times.
The start menu is huge and bulky. It takes up way too much real estate. This really us just Winodws 8.1 with a hybrid start menu. As you said, it is still has the flat 90's style about it (ala Windows 8), and looks more suited to kindergarten children, than to anyone who wants to do serious work.
The metro apps are resizable, until you shut them down and re-open them. For me, every time I re-opened one it was full screen. It does not remember your preferences.
The search and multiple desktop icons can't be moved or removed. I use quick launch. I can fit 3 times more little icons on the space, and still have taskbar space left over. The pinned icons for me are a waste of space. But now I have to deal with these two extra icons on the left of quick launch.
I've had explorer crash, and other applications crash the system, especially when attempting to shutdown or restart.
I'm glad they want us to have a hand in shaping this product, but at present it's windows 8.2. There's nothing yet that would make this a "new" OS. I know that stuff is yet to come.
I had no problems with installing the nvidia drivers. Actually, Windows did it automatically for me. Unfortunately I had to uninstall them because I don't have a 3D monitor, I use a surround system for audio, and I don't want auto upgrades or user experience programs. Attempting to disable this feature causes several headaches.
I did like the fact that the file copy dialogue is small by default, but it's a little too simplistic. There was nothing wrong with the Windows 7 version. Sadly, this reflects Microsoft philosophy - change it even if it ain't broke.
It seems to take a little longer to boot - perhaps the key logging and data collection starting up
Not enough to be annoying.
Still even with all these, and several other "issues" I remain positive and look forward to more updates.
let's hope that Microsoft are really serious about making this OS work.