Win 8 works pretty well for my touch-screen laptop, but I know it would be hell without it. Hopefully Win 9 is a successful hybrid that works for both touch and mouse users. If it is, I'll update from Win 7 and pay for it, but my Win 8 laptop will be testing waters.

That would be good.
Windows 8 keeps crashing for me ):

Windows 8 is nothing like another Vista. The issues with Vista always related to software/driver compatibility issues with seemingly everything, whereas the issues with Windows 8 were with the user interface significantly changing, and people just not liking these changes. One is much worse than the other to deal with. I'll give a hint, it isn't user interface changes.

A big problem with Windows 8 was not only the drastic change in interface that no one asked for, but also that it led to such a short lifetime to Windows 7, a popular Windows.  They only gave it 3 years to live, while they gave XP 6 years.  I don't think that sat too well with consumers.

@ OP

Well, I was considering getting a Windows 7 laptop soon, but if this actually turns out to be a decent Windows, I might wait to purchase a laptop with it.

Well they had to do something to compete against the ipad and Android tablets which were beginning to affect Windows sales. 

That'd be great, I love Windows 8 but I'm totally ready to upgrade.

There was Windows ME in between, so the pattern roughly fits the claim "every other one sucks".  The exact details are a bit muddled by the existence of the Windows NT line and Windows 2000.

Never even heard of Windows ME.

In other words it's a re-branded service pack.

Windows 8.1 is fantastic, though. Now, THAT is a rebranded service pack.

Win9 will allow for apps that will run on phone and PC with the same code, Cortana, Modern apps on desktop...
...my body is ready.