Windows 98 was pretty darn good for being an even numbered OS. I had to be pried away from mine with a crowbar.
I reluctantly went to XP, and quickly fell in love with it. I then went through the same withdrawal symptoms when my last XP dinosaur died.
I was nervous about Windows 7, but after playing with it on my wife's laptop, realized that it was familiar enough that the transition would likely be enjoyable. It was.
That said, I'm not ready for a new OS already. Win 7 is plenty adequate for my needs, and I don't compute on hand held devices anyway.
Loaded 8 on an Acer convertible tablet that came with 7. It was dog using 7, much improved with 8. Boots quicker, touch screen more sensitive, icon are alright. You can go to a classic desk top if desired. Probably wouldn’t like the icons on a desktop or non touch laptop. The full Win 8 will probably be well received on a full, work ready tablet.