Overall I think this new menu system is much more intuitive for most users than the 3 level PC UI menu. 

Does it live up to the hype?

Setting up your user with some of the standard business roles is quite easy, even for a novice, once the required services have been activated.  There is a good overview article in 'CRM Expert' that takes you through the process. 

The most immediate difference is the home page.  As you can see the standard home page looks quite different from PC UI.  The graphical icons are a pleasant change from the old iviews.  Overall the initial impression is a lot cleaner and more visually appealing.

It is reminiscent of the IC Web Client, one of the Contact Centre Agent interfaces, from CRM 4.0 & 5.0.  This is no coincidence as the new user interface is in effect based on the next generation IC Web Client.    

Top 10 Likes and Dislikes

Having spent the best part of the day exploring, here are my top 5 likes and dislikes. 

I like

1. The more flexible Searches. 
2. No need for portal. 
3. Simpler One-to One email integration. 
4. No more tabs. 
5. Greater levels of personalisation. 
6. Simpler and more rapid development. 

I don't like..

1. Lack of browser independence. 
2. R.I.P of Central Search.
3. Robustness. 
4. No more of Favorites (sic).