i think Anandtech sums it up best in their conclusion

Expecting a sequel to be a reincarnation of the original is just setting yourself up for disappointment. A good sequel will be able to stand on its own, independent of whatever may have come before it. Nehalem is Intel's Dark Knight, it lacks the reinvention that made Conroe so incredible, but it continues what was started in 2006.
they really did a good review on Nehalem

hey Gary how many of these did you guys kill j/k