I'd be more worried about 'compatibility' than 'capabilities' for a newer device.

Visual Studio can run on a Surface PRO tablet while running a 2012 MSSQL database at the same time.

However:
If you can find W7 on a new laptop; congrats.
If you are installing it on the new laptop; even better.

I recently experienced an issue with .NET 4.51 on W8 (it would take 4.5 but not 4.51) .. so just how current you need VS to be can also come into play.

I suggest keep W7 as a priority (with W8 upgrade as an option) as a focus .. considering the stated need. Or make sure your current VS requirements are supported.
It was weird, as I could update my W7 machine to 4.51 but the W8 machines failed. I'd need to update W8 to W8.1 to allow .NET 4.51 to install.

Sorry if I bored many of you with this..


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!