I have a 15-4010nr (less than 1 year old, Core i7 with 8GB RAM) that loaded 8.1 flawlessly when it first came out. I really like 8.1 much better.
Last week, I did an update and got the dreaded black screen. I ended up doing a two factory restores, updates and then got hung on trying to re-install 8.1 both times, going into the black screen.
I called the HP Spectre support and the guy just said to not update due to 8.1's inherent instability. My wife has an 8.1 system (1 month old) that works great.
For now, I guess I will have to stick with Win8, but it seems as if the bugs should be fixed by now.
Thanks for suggestions!