Get 8.1
You get more performance and it is a smoother OS than 7.
Let me explain something. Windows 8.1 is great. Windows 8 is horrible. 8.1 fixes the issues. Everything that made 8 seem like a touch screen optimized tablet OS, is able to be turned off.
If people complain about windows 8.1 not having a start button, they they have never used it for an extended period of time. Not having the same start button has caused not issues at all for me. It has one, and if you right click, it brings up a type menu (NOT metro). The search bar is still there. Just bring your mouse to the bottom right of the screen, and it is there. Everything that the start button offered, can be easily brought up in the search, or by other means.
I have 8.1, and I NEVER see metro. I boot straight to the desktop too. You will NEVER have to see metro. I have never used it once, because you never have to, its always hidden from my sight.