there is a big different between 2k8 r1 and 2k8r2 in all tools
in release 2 your dhcp can filter who take ip address and who not (((this is a big advantage feature you can use)))ok
in terminal server there is a virtualization
in a.d there in custmized tools named active directory managment console((this is a big advantage feature you can use)))ok
and others features in all tool
believe me it's really very better than r1
BUT BACKUP STILL TOO WEAK
and it's already has been released not trial as thay mention above
i am using server 2k8 r2 and it's very powerfull than 2k8r1 or the stupid 2k3