Why would they put out this goofy new OS that isn't compatible with XP products?! Perhaps that is how they force the purchase of new products . (Sound like a government?!)
It is much like the Bush Administration. Not to worry though, Obama will soon force the computer manufacturers make honest hard working products at the expense of the well to do. Those rich folks love giving money away, that's how they got rich ... wait a minute.
I'm pretty sure that I know less about computers than you do. In my search for a laptop I ended up with a 64 bit because it's faster than 32 bit only to find out that it won't run my automotive manuals for my vehicles. It told me to get new manuals. $10 per manual on eBay doesn't get you a lot of support. So there is that to watch out for but at $400 I think you're safe. It's funny how this game is rigged. You will pay and pay. The body of information is huge to begin with and to make the task of staying with it even more daunting, they reinvent the wheel on you twice a week.
I wouldn't buy used and I think you're gonna have to accept Vista. If it makes you feel any better, they have had time to work some of the bugs out by now. The bad news is that as soon as you (yes you) take the leap, they will have a new OS making whatever you just bought complete garbage.
I don't think they even make the one I just bought anymore but because I got it a month ago, you should be able to find a laptop that does more for less.
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/asus-x83vm-x1-core/4505-3121_7-33361040.html?tag=dtBody;[object%20NodeList]