but I hope this isn't *all* Microsoft have when it comes to Windows 8.
Of course not.
Dramatically faster install, reinstall speeds along with new refresh/reset functions for fast snapshotting and reverting to snapshots.
Dramatically faster boot/sleep/hybernate/resume/shutdown times.
New "Storage Spaces", a dynamic pooled storage feature.
Built in Hyper-V virtualization support.
New syncing and roaming support (use same login on different machines, get the same settings, metro apps, and data).
Integrated SkyDrive cloud storage support.
Integrated USB3.0 support
New faster/better networking support for mobile devices, including support for metered access and monitoring and smart network switching (won't download updates on metered connection, for example).
Better memory use via resusing redundant memory, smaller working set, smaller set of active services running.
Improved integrated security and malware protection, as well as more and better protections throughout the OS (better address randomization, etc).
Improved multi-file-copy/move experience through the UI, including improved conflict resolution.
Native support for creating/mounting .iso and .vhd files in Windows Explorer
More and better language and keyboard support.
Improved PowerShell scripting support.
New "File History" feature (easier to use, more "Time Machine"-like file backups and restores)
Improved Task Manager and resource monitoring in general.