Sheldon Brown wrote:

It's been over a year since we first placed our order, but we finally
have received Shimano Nexus 8-speed hubs.

I bought one myself, I'll be doing it up with 650B rims...

My wife's bike has the "premium" one: http://www.peeble.com/bikes/bikes/htm

I find it to be quiet with no discernible drag. The rest of the bike is
a bit of a lump though, so it's hard to make an objective comparison.
Tensioning the chain is a PITA because the brake torque arm has to be
loosened. I have nightmares about removing the wheel.