I have one last machine that was designed for XP, an IBM T42 that has served me well, considering that I dropped only $99 for it. The only H/W issue that had to be fixed was the CPU fan (integrated with heatsink).
Though XP is still on it as of this date, so is Linux Mint 13, which will be supported until 2017. Come April 8, if not before then, if Windows 7 Home Basic (the "lite" version of Windows 7 that wasn't introduced in US markets) won't run on it, though it should, then it'll be a 100% Linux Mint notebook.
Though my main OS's are now Windows 8.1 (7 on one machine), I'm also fairly good with Ubuntu based versions of Linux, which is what Mint happens to be. Not as good as I could be, but being a moderator on a Windows 8 forum, I felt it best to use the OS as much as possible to assist others.
That being said, the only thing that I do on the XP side of that notebook is read articles/check the weather. I don't check emails nor do anything where a password is required, though I do run good security on it (Avast 2014 IS, won in contest), as well as have MBAM Pro installed for extra "live" malware protection.
Come April 8, the hackers has likely planned ahead, it's a known fact that XP is already full of band-aided security holes. Repeated checks with different apps shows Firewall leaks. Have installed different ones, even prior to having Avast, have tried several suggestions to make it leak proof, the only one that works is either to shut down the notebook or run Linux Mint 13.
Therein lies the problem with continued usage of XP after April 8, 2014 (really as of a couple of years ago). MS isn't dropping support of XP necessarily because they want to, there's the other 60+% of non-XP users on the planet that they're obligated to protect. Continual patching of XP isn't only a waste of resources that should be directed to current OS users, they're making those machines less & less reliable. Things can only be patched so much, it's like riding on a set of tires that's been plugged numerous times, when economically speaking, it would cost less to purchase a new set.
Speaking of new, only a small minority of us are real "power users". There are plenty of sub-$400 (a few $300) computers in brick & mortar stores & online that ships with 8.1, ready to roll (some with 6GB RAM & many with HDMI). At this price, most of us can afford a new computer with every release of Windows. Assuming a 3 year release cycle, that's barely over $11 a month to save between releases. OK, $12 with taxes & possible shipping. For many of us, that's the cost of 3 premium cups of coffee per month.
The learning curve: Windows 8.1 can be configured w/out any 3rd party Start options to boot to desktop. Once there, it's just as functional as Windows 7. Really more so, because it loads faster & having Secure Boot enabled by default, that makes it very tough for the bad guys to have hidden malware/nasty rootkits loading with the computer. Security is built in, though one can run the app of their choice if desired (I do myself).
The bottom line: With all that Windows 8.1 offers out of the box, the question should be "Does anyone plan on keeping XP?".
Keeping in mind, not only Windows 8.1, but also Windows 7 & several decent Linux OS's to choose from. I can understand those who needs the ancient OS (offline) for businesses that has expensive machinery where no alternative exists (actually Windows 7 w/XP Mode is for that purpose). Also I personally know a man who runs a machine shop, highly profitable, where the software to run those calls for Windows 2000. Those PC's, there's no internet access on, the office runs 7 Pro. Offline, where there's no alternative, I can see.
But a home user going online with a highly band-aided, unsupported OS? To conduct transactions at that? Identity thieves will be having a field day with those consumers.
I do understand that not everyone can afford new computers, not even one of the $300 ones. For those, Linux Mint 13 LTS (no PAE/NX required) will do, it's supported. For non-gamers, this is great. All one needs to begin the learning curve is to be able to use Firefox or Google Chrome, as there's no IE for Linux. It boots & runs browsers just like Windows with a large community eagerly waiting to answer any questions. Google searches will likely show an answer to your issue already.
For the rest, anyone who can afford at least $300 or more, Windows 8.1 is your best option. The $300-$400 computers of today are better than the $500-$600 models when 7 was released. DDR3 RAM, SATA 3, HDMI & (on most models) at least one USB 3.0 port for backup w/native support for 8.1.
There will always be the skeptics & naysayers, however no matter what one reads posting negativity as to Windows 8.1 (they've done this since the previews), it's a better OS than it gets credit for.
Cat