Microsoft lifts Windows 7 netbook restrictions

By on Sep 28, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Software September 28, 2009

netbook-win7

Back in May, blogs across the Web erupted when word of Microsoft’s planned maximum specs for Windows 7 Starter Edition emerged. To recap, Microsoft had decided to limit the specs for netbooks on which OEMs could pre-install Windows 7 Starter Edition. The move would, in theory, help ensure beefier (and pricier) editions of Win7 got enough attention. Fast forward to today however, and it appears as though Redmond had a change of heart — not only where maximum specs are concerned, but also with the long-reported three app limit. A Microsoft UK spokesperson had this to say:

OEMs and ODMs have the choice to install any version of Windows on a netbook. Starter is an entry version and doesn’t have many of the consumer or business features. The three application limit isn’t there anymore.

The bottom line is that it’s now up to the user to decide which is more important: the attractive price of 7 Starter Edition or the fanned out functionality of pricier versions. You know — the way it should be. Good show, Microsoft.

Thanks, Roger!

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14 Comments

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  • Joe the Plumber

    Question, why is Windows Vista/XP/7 the only OS being shipped with netbooks and laptops?
    I’m not being an ass btw, just asking.

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

  • ninjaap

    Windows is not the only one being shipped with laptops/netbooks. I bought a laptop a couple years back in the Philippines and I’ve seen ones loaded with Linux, XP, Vista and no OS installed.

  • sirpaul

    If you want linux, you can install it yourself, or pay someone to do it. It makes no sense shipping linux when 90% of the world is with windows, and the remaining 9 are using macs.

  • NunyaBusiness

    Dell has been offering Unbutu (linus) for while.
    Intel just released Moblin as well.

    Personally, I’m in the market for a new notebook and am waiting for Windows 7.
    But, there ARE options available.

  • sirpaul

    Actually, I have seen netbooks being sold with linux before (in Canada), because XP was too much for the hardware to handle.

  • Quickster357

    HP does ship a mini netbook with Linux on it, but sirpaul is correct. It’s easy enough to install it yourself and have a dual boot or boot it from a disk if you want to try it.

  • Joe the Plumber

    Hmm where can I buy a laptop with Linux preinstalled? I’d rather not buy a Windows laptop and then dual-boot with Linux as I have not a single clue on how to do that. Hacking and shit isn’t my forte.

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

  • The Truth

    @ Joe the Plumber

    I have seen netbooks with Linux when I was walking around Best Buy. I suggest you start there to get an idea of what the OS is like, then search online for a better deal on that model if possible.

    I think it was a Dell Mini that had Linux pre-installed on it. Not entirely sure though. Hope this helps!

  • Jim

    As someone who has purchased 2 netbooks within the past 6 months this doesn’t make me terribly happy. I purposely stayed away from 7 and opted for XP, with no upgrade to 7 deal. Does anyone see MS grandfathering us in on 7?

  • Kirk

    What restrictions? I bought an Acer netbook with XP Home and installed Windows 7 Ultimate with a flash drive. Granted it’s a tad bit slower, but I can’t use anything less than Windows 7.

  • Acousticfish

    No, xp is dead to MS they must force people pay to make the move to Vista or 7. So they likely will not give you a free upgrade to their newest product. Incidentally, a pretty solid product that should be easy to sell, thus making it even less likely they will offer much to users of their older products.

  • Dio

    Only Windows?
    I had an HP netbook that came with Windows or HP’s Linux (Whatever they called it)

    I’ve also seen Mac running on these (the whole hackintosh scene)

    So that’s 3 right there, how many more do you need?

  • bignerd

    Running Win 7 Ultimate on my HP Mini 110-1050NR right now without a hiccup..

  • zac

    Iv had 7 on my 2133 mininote since public beta, aero and all that works perfectly

    Also been using office 2010, its pretty slick, too.

    As for linux – have used ubuntu 9.04 and it works perfectly, also gave suse a try and it was fine, too.

    Oh, fedora is nice as well.

    http://www.hp2133guide.com has loads of info so check it out

    Links to other netbook sites too

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