CONFIRMED: No restrictions in Windows 7 for netbooks – Plus what features you will miss in Windows 7 starter and basic versions
Netbook manufactures won’t be forced to cut down version of Windows 7 as Microsoft has allowed the netbook manufactures to install any version of Windows 7 in the netbooks as per their wish.
“OEMs and ODMs have the choice to install any version of Windows on a netbook,” said a Microsoft UK spokespersont to tgdaily. “[But] Starter is an entry version and doesn’t have many of the consumer or business features. The three application limit isn’t there anymore.”
I still expect most of the netbook manufactures going after the Windows 7 starter or Windows 7 Basic version to keep the costs as low as possible.
So, what is missing in aforementioned versions:
- Fast user switching
- Desktop personalization (keep staring at the same wallpaper fellas!)
- Aero
- Multi monitor support
- Windows Media center
- DVD playback
- Taskbar previews
- Internet Connection Sharing (this is going to hurt some of you)
- Won’t be sold in US and EU (ouch!)
Conclusion: This is ULTIMATELY going to benefit the consumers as they can get the version they want and not what Microsoft want.

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[...] comes via GadgetMix that there won’t be any restrictions placed on netbook users (with regard to Windows 7 at least) [...]
I am so glad that they did not go with the starter editions. I was so disturbed by the fact that MSFT is going to force the netbook vendors to use the starter edition of Windows, which just simply is not my cup of tea
Woa! I just hope that it does not result in increase in price of netbooks so much
[...] [Más información en: Engadget y Gadget Mix] [...]
You kind of have your wires crossed. OEMs have always been able to install premium versions of Windows Vista or Windows 7 on any class of hardware from the lowliest 7″ netbook to the fastest desktop.
The hardware restrictions have only applied to Starter edition, which is sold to OEMs at a steep discount compared to other versions. The limitations weren’t on which machines could run Home Premium, but on which machines could run Starter.