[oh8eleven]

Classic Shell ... eliminates any reason I can see for preferring windows 7 over 8.
As far as the user interface is concerned, yes. However, Win 7 Pro will run older software programs, while Win 8 will not.

[newfreep]

I just bought an Asus Ultrabook w/1920 monitor - better aesthetics and build quality than Apple Air.

I came with Win8 and I immediately upgraded to 8.1.

My old netbook was Win7 and, although I never used Win8, the new 8.1 is VERY nice. The “Start” menu is different with the tiles but I can easily switch to a “normal” desktop.

Blazing fast with a Full (1920) HD monitor with extraordinary resolution.

[newfreep]

I forgot to add I have successfully installed Office 2003 Pro including Outlook 2003 on the new Win8.1 Asus Ultrabook - they all run perfectly.

[KevinB]

However, Win 7 Pro will run older software programs, while Win 8 will not.

The only one of my many dozens of programs from XP that wouldn't work with 8 was a time and billing program that I should have updated years ago anyway.