So, instead of listening to some fellow forum people, I read New Spring first.
I do not regret it.
First of all: Now that so many of the books are out, I probably would not have wanted to break away from the current plot. Who knows? By the time I am done the series (for there are still other books I am itching to read in between, and I think I will need a break after The Eye of the World) they might all be out, and then I might not have read New Spring until after the conclusion of the final book.
Secondly: Keep in mind I am only half done The Eye of the World, but I liked New Spring better. Now (minor spoilers ahead) I already know Rand is the Dragon Reborn from Suvudu, but it was pretty obvious I think anyways: main character, mysterious circumstances involving his birth, etc. I'm not knocking the book, I'm just saying, Rand's the Dragon. But I find his viewpoint incredibly boring for something. I don't mind Perrin's, mostly because I like Egwene, but Mat and Rand just get on my nerves.
The viewpoints I look forward to the most thought? Well at this point in the book, they're Nynaeve's, because that's when I see Lan and Moraine. I loved both of them in New Spring, and so far the parts of The Eye of the World that I have enjoyed best are all the parts with them in it. I think it's so cool how temestuous Moraine has become a true Aes Sedai, and how her relationship with Lan has developed. I don't think I would have enjoyed them so much if I had not read New Spring first. Of course, I might have enjoyed Rand more if a hadn't, but I don't think I would enjoy him anyways.
just thought I'd share my experience, and ask for your thoughts. Please keep in mind I am only half done Eye of the World. Right now all groups are headed to Caemlyn.