Windows 8 as a Media Centre OS

I use Windows 7 on my main PC and will not be upgrading to Windows 8 for various reasons, however I have an XP license kicking about somewhere that I could upgrade to 8 for £25 and use that as the OS for the Media Centre PC in my bedroom. I have tried 7 and it works fine (but I don't have a second license, but with no mouse or keyboard attached I have been using my Android phone with both RemoteDroid and XBMC Remote to control it.

The question is, with Windows 8 there is no start menu and you seem to have to use the Windows Key to show it, with RemoteDroid I don't think you can send the Windows key, so I dunno if I will actually be able to use it. If not, I will have to boot into XBMC and that's it, in which case, I may as well use XP, or even Linux!

So, without having a keyboard attached, is it a good idea to use Windows 8 for a Media Centre PC considering that I do the odd bit of browsing on it too?

It won't be a problem - in fact the metro interface is better with TV/remote from a distance anyway and will still let you launch whatever program you like from a distance. I'm waiting (patiently) for the release of the media center addon for Win 8 so I can trial it on my HPTC where I use that with the excellent Media Browser plugin. If your remote can emulate cursor keys + enter then you can do everything you want from the start screen.

But what about my concerns about not being able to use the Windows key, or alt tab? Should I just get a wireless keyboard and mouse and be done with it? Or can you use Windows 8 fine with Android apps?

Windows 8 issues aside, buy a wireless Keyboard / Mouse for a media centre. We have a total of 3 dotted about and they will save you so much time over the years. Even a cheapo one is better than nothing.

I don't know about your Win8 question I'm afraid though as I've not moved onto it since the preview.