I don't think there is any way around it sadly. Blame Microsoft solely for this move. Basically to take a step backwards; you still have to take one forwards with the pro which costs more dimes to upgrade only to then have the consumer rights to go two steps backwards to enable the Win7 underlay. Shrewd move by them as people were justifiably unhappy with the core Windows 8 but instead of allowing people to move back to the old version; Microsoft added insult to injury by forcing them to pay a premium on a pro version upgrade and for the downgrade privilege in which they had to repurchase the standard 7 again.
See if you can find a custom-build website that does Laptops to suit your needs as most of those don't endorse such things as Windows 8 and you have the choice of components which can impact how much you want to pay.
Pre-built systems should be avoided at all costs these days as they don't represent good value for money based on what's inside as businesses try and make lavish margins plus tat like Windows 8 and other inferior components that they can't sell elsewhere, get clubbed into these pre-built machines.