My computer is using the Beta 8.1 without a touch screen. I have played with the touch screen version of 8 but not 8.1. I find both very easy to deal with but I do like the 8.1 version better on my non-touch screen computer.
Moving in and out of the Metro pages are very easy and I use both the regular desktop (most often) and the Metro pages depending upon the situation.
I think since you are talking about a laptop specifically the answer is you will end up using both if you buy a touchscreen laptop but you would not use the touch screen exclusively.