I used IE 10 in Modern UI mode until I got Chrome (dev channel version supporting both Desktop and Modern UI modes). (I am running Windows 8 Pro.) Why I prefer Chrome:

- I can see the tabs all the time - saves prodding around
- I can use Pocket (formerly ReadItLater) to store my bookmarks

Perhaps on a 10-inch screen it is useful to hide the tabs. But not on a 17-inch display. This is for me a major complaint about the Modern UI, that it adds extra hassle to display controls for which, on a larger screen, there is no point in hiding, as there is room, and hiding them is such a pointless drag on efficiency.

I also like the fact that Chrome looks pretty much the same in Desktop and Modern UI modes. It also offers to switch to Desktop mode when there is something it cannot handle in Modern UI mode.

Of course the problem is that Chrome is not available for Windows RT. If Microsoft want the Surface to sell, here are my killer apps:

- Dropbox with full sync and caching of files locally
- Chrome

Without those, no deal. Dropbox released a mediocre Modern UI app, uncharacteristically receiving a lot of criticism, but there are rumours that Microsoft stomped on their attempts to provide 'the real deal'. Likewise Microsoft looks like it is going to stomp on any attempt to put Chrome on Windows RT (unless the EU sticks its nose in).

If Microsoft forces users to stick with IE 10 and its one-shot download/upload-on-command version of SkyDrive, it will surely keep out the competition, but only because it won't make any worthwhile level of sales.