I believe the display drivers are something that do need to be the new WDDM format, but other devices will work with XP/2000 drivers.

My impressions of Beta 2 weren't so great. The new security model is implemented in a way that every experienced user will turn it off negating any advantage it has, and casual users will waste much time with it, to the point of clicking yes to everything and still having malware problems. Things are clearly being done with no thought process. I was investigating how to add an entry to the Games Explorer, and found it to be horribly complex. It starts off as having to create a series of files with a tool in the DirectX SDK, ok so far. Next, those files get compiled into a dll, odd, but ok. Next you have to code the game to make calls to that newly created dll to have it register the game, and ensure the dll is distributed with the game. Annoying to say the least instead of just making a call to something to put an entry there.

My experience with previous betas and this one have reminded me that I will switch to Vista only when forced. Sadly with the whole Direct X 10 hype, the switch may be soon after release. I guess I should start learning now how to strip it down enough to turn it into a Wintendo OS for the MacBook.