I've just started installing the new Windows Server 2012 and playing around with it a bit. Here are my first impressions:
The installation is the same as for Windows Server 2012, which was to be expected. After installation, the server boots directly to the desktop and does not start the Server Manager immediately, which I find quite pleasant
It is immediately noticeable that the start button is also back, but it opens the app menu with the tile look. However, the menu now looks tidier.
New applications are no longer displayed on the main page of the tiles, but become visible after clicking on the down arrow. I installed a few roles straight away
The Active Directory now comes with the Server 2012 R2 functional level
The installation without roles occupies just 10 GB on the HDD.
The Remote Desktop Services also come in the 2012 version, but there do not appear to have been any major changes here
But Powershell 4.0 is included, so I'll have to see what's new right away
I'm playing with the new Powershell for now, more to follow.