Microsoft has struggled to persuade users to migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 8 ever since the latest version of the company's flagship product was released in October 2012. Windows 8 is geared toward the increasingly ubiquitous touch screen, in order to capitalize on the growing prevalence of tablets and tablet-notebook hybrids. As with any major operating system overhaul, some users have been turned off by the major changes brought on by Windows 8.

The tech giant is trying to lure back skeptics with its Windows 8.1 system update, which brings a number of changes to the OS that will make a transition from previous versions easier for new adopters.

One of the most controversial changes between Windows 7 and 8 is Microsoft's abandonment of the "Start" button, which had been a key feature of pervious versions of the operating system going all the way back to Windows 95. With Windows 8.1, Microsoft added this feature back into the layout, as well as a bevy of customization options that had been missing from the initial release. 

A number of manufacturers, including Sony, Toshiba, Asus and Acer have designed notebooks that feature a touch? screen that makes use of the touch-control features of Windows 8, and the response from the tech community has been positive. Some reviewers have praised the clean, simple design of the user interface, and others have noted the excellent syncing features across devices powered by Microsoft operating systems, including the Xbox 360, Windows smartphones and notebooks.

PortableOne has a wide selection of customized laptops from many of the best manufacturers, including Sony Vaio, Toshiba and Asus.