Portuguese and Brazilian ortography

I have learnt that Portuguese has adopted the Brazilian ortography. The new norms are being applied since 1st of January 2009. But I hear that it is not very well taken by the Lusophone world for various reasons.
How does this affect people?
Do you find it beneficial or not? Why?

I find that it is a major change into the language, situation which I find quite interesting to talk about.

Bom dia

Hi, Tzicu-Sem!

Not exactly the Portuguese language has adopted the Brazilian ortography. The Portuguese speaking countries (Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, East Timor, São Tome and Príncipe - have I forgotten any?) signed once an agreement to unify the Portuguese language ortography. Nevertheless, that agreement would only get in force after a minimum number of countries ratify it. This minimum amount has been reached last year (200, when Portugal (!?) finally approved the document.

Here in Brazil, since January 1st the new ortography is being used by the press - soon it will be on school books and other media. That's strange, today I acessed some Portuguese papers websites and the old ortography can still be seen there. So I wonder, when will it be in force in Portugal?

If you are curious about what changed, you can start reading here.