What do one miss in Windows 7 Starter as compared to other Windows 7 Editions?

After the long awaited demise of Windows XP, Windows 7 is finally making appearance in plethora of netbooks. To keep the costs minimum, Microsoft is suggesting the netbook manufactures to opt for the Windows 7 Starter. But, what would one miss if you are about to get a netbook with Windows 7 Starter? Here is the list of things that you would miss:

• Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the “Windows Basic” or other opaque themes. It also means you do not get Taskbar Previews or Aero Peek.
• Personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.
• The ability to switch between users without having to log off.
• Multi-monitor support.
• DVD playback.
• Windows Media Center for watching recorded TV or other media.
• Remote Media Streaming for streaming your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer.
• Domain support for business customers.
• XP Mode for those that want the ability to run older Windows XP programs on Windows 7.

For a user, that would be buying a netbook for surfing and office editing, none of the aforementioned missing features would affect the usage. The best thing that Windows 7 Starter did not inherit from Windows XP Starter is the notorious 3-app limit. I have no problem with Windows 7 Starter. Period.

Zotac Mag nettop has dual-core Atom + ION chipset

Zotac has announced a nettop called Mag, which is a pretty small nettop. It will be made available in two versions. One single core: Atom 230 and other dual core: Atom 330.

Both versions are otherwise identical: 2GB RAM, 160GB HDD, NVidia’s 9400M ION chipset, LAN, WiFi (b/g/n), eSATA port, 4-in-1 card reader, 6 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI out and D-Sub out. The price of dual core version is expected to be around €249. Price of single core version is not yet known, but will inevitably be cheaper than the former.

Dual core version will hit the shelves in the month of November, whereas the Single core version will make its appearance sometime after it.

Google Chrome OS Netbooks to arrive in Mid-October

Google Chrome OS has been one of the mostly discussed tech-topics from the past couple of months. Plethora of manufactures are working on netbooks that will run Google Chrome OS.

The latest buzz about the Chrome OS netbooks is that they will make their appearance into the netbook scene in mid-October. It would certainly very interesting to see Chrome OS netbooks coming during Windows 7′s launch (Oct 22)

HP Pavilion DM1 – based on CULV platform

The 11.6-inch HP Pavilion DM1 has made its appearance in the HP’s (leaked) Winter catalog. Having 1366 x 768 resolution on its 11.6-inch display and battery life rated at up to 9 hours, this netbook/mini-notebook offers excellent combination of battery life without sacrificing too much on performance. It will be available with Windows 7 Home Premium. Color choice: Black or white

• Intel CULV processor
• up to 500GB HDD
• up to 5GB RAM
• 92% full size keyboard
• 5-in-1 Card Reader.

Microsoft to offer FREE Anti-Virus service

Microsoft is working hard to unveil a free anti-virus service that will rival the likes of McAfee and Norton. Currently, the Microsoft is testing it with their own employees. A beta version will soon makes its appearance on the Microsoft website.

Well, if it is free, it won’t hurt to try it out on our netbooks. I just hope it is not processor hungry as Norton AV.