I have been playing with 2481 for a few days now. I have to admit I like it.
Running on my desktop I have not had any problems so far. Although it wacked my network when I accessed my wifes system running 2k. I had downloaded a file using XP and needed it for 2K so I dumped it onto hers. After that, when I tried to access her system with mine running 2K it DENIED me. I tried everything, TCP reinstall, reboots, you name it. I even swapped NICS. It worked again only after I changed users on my wifes system. I had expected the reboot to clear that up though. weird.
My laptop is another story. I can't touch any of the volume buttons or easy internet access buttons (not that I use those) without it locking up. They are right below the touchpad so that is a bit of an inconvenience.
Once it is released and the activation hack confirmed it is safe to say I will be getting a copy.
edit, I read 2489? is leaked.
R