Rule #2: Always wait for SP1 before you upgrade.

I use Logicool MX5500 keyboard and I just assigned the power option button on top right hand corner to shut down my PC. It's definitely the fastest way to shut it down.

If your running version of Ms Windows is supported for a long time and working with no issues then upgrading to a new and non tested version is an not very smart move.
Do your trials inside a virtual box instead.
Gl

OK, I found the fix for the SD card reader problem in my laptop. I have Lenovo IdeaPad Z575 and the SD card reader didn't work after I switched to Windows 8 Pro. I downloaded the latest driver from Lenovo support site, the Windows 8 version and it fixed nothing, in fact the reader was not even recognized by the OS. So, I went to the Realtek support site and downloaded a program called ReaderChecker and it identified the name of the reader immediately and then I was able to download the specific driver that is compatible with Windows 8 from the Realtek support site. Doing that fixed the problem so now my SD card reader works fine.

I think this information is helpful because I suspect that many laptop owners will have the same problem with their SD card reader when they make the switch to Windows 8. I really don't think this problem is exclusive to IdeaPad owners.

As of now, everything works using Windows 8 Pro on both my desktop and laptop so it's all good now. I'm getting used to using the new OS and it's not that bad. I have to say it's not exactly a user friendly GUI but it takes a fair amount of computer knowledge to use it. So, expert tech savvy person might like it better than Windows 7.

Does HM (version 1) also run on windows 8?

I don't know. Try email support at HM2 site.