-Sidebar with gadgets

-Composited desktop (windows don't have to repaint themselves when uncovered. Makes for a smoother experience like Mac OS X)

-Better search (no dog) built into Windows Explorer with ability to search on and edit file metadata, stack items with the same meta data (And drag other items onto that stack to assign the same metadata), filter and group on metadata and make virtual folders. Can search files, email, RSS feeds, favorites, IE history, and anything else someone writes a file or protocol (ie: to search within a database) filter for. None of this is WinFS BTW.

- A DVD making program.

- Transactional file system and registry. Programs could do big file and registry changes and roll them back in one shot if something goes wrong.

- Central RSS store and API. Along with their list extensions, could let you do things like subscribe to a list of files shared by someone and track when they get updated.

- p2p stuff including ability to create an ad-hoc wireless network directly between WiFi cards when there is no central network available. Ability to create a p2p file (and screen I think) sharing session between users for meetings or on the fly presentations to everyones laptop.

- No huge cascading All Programs menu. Has a scrolable list embedded in the start menu instead. Search box at bottom can whittle down this list in real time as you type.

- Start button doesn't say start anymore. Billions of hours saved as people will no longer be confused by the "start to shut down" paradox.

- Alt Tab list is bigger with thumbnails of the windows being tabbed through. Alternate mode shows windows in a larger 3D perspective view. There are also window preview thumbnails above the taskbar buttons of open apps.

- Clicking clock in lower right now actually brings up a clock (or more for multiple time zones) and calendar that you can flip thru without resetting the system time/date

- A calendar program compatible with iCal file standard.

- If you buy one version you'll be able to upgrade to other versions for the difference instead of a whole new copy of the OS. Possibly without need anything more than a new auth key (not sure about that).

- New audio subsystem with per app volume control

- Users not admin by default anymore. Will ask user for adming password or permission when needed like other Osen do these days.

- System file and registry virtualization. Makes old programs that don't repect the registry or system folder think they still have free reign in those places by giving them private copies to diddle.

- Other ghastly cack.