All Flavors Of Windows 7 Cleared For Install On Netbooks

All Flavors Of Windows 7 Cleared For Install On Netbooks

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - by Shawn Oliver
We can all breathe a huge sigh of relief, as those pesky hardware limits that have kept Windows XP-based netbooks down for so long won't apply when Windows 7 hits the scene. If you've manage to keep up with the steady stream of XP-based netbook releases, you'll notice that most of them have an Atom N270 or N280 CPU, 1GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive and no optical drive. Despite times changing and designs morphing, the actual hardware within has remained essentially the same.

Now, it sure sounds like those limits are being removed. Microsoft has reportedly confirmed that PC makers will be able to install any version of Win7 they want on netbooks, and we suspect that Win7 Ultimate machines will need more potent hardware to really keep up. Furthermore, the "3-app limit" on Windows 7 Starter has been removed, ensuring that all versions of Win7 will at least have full (but basic) OS capabilities.


"OEMs and ODMs have the choice to install any version of Windows on a netbook," said a Microsoft UK spokesperson. "[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."
The spokesperson didn't specifically say that hardware changes would be more likely now, but all signs are pointing to that. Now, if only Intel would pop out a revamped Atom, we'd be pleased as punch.
Via: TG Daily | News Archive | Tags: Netbook, Microsoft, Windows 7, Windows, Software, os
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Comments

By 3vi1 on Sep 29, 2009

Isn't this more likely to be a case where Win7 disables more eye-candy when it detects a netbook or other low-power computing device?

I mean: MS didn't make any distinction that said Win7 will only work on future netbooks and not ones that were already sold, so how do you see this as an indication of any hardware changes?

By Jeremy on Sep 29, 2009

Microsoft currently only allows OEMs to pre-install XP on netbooks with a single 160GB hard drive or smaller. I don't know for sure if they limit the memory as well.

By bob_on_the_cob on Sep 29, 2009

Jeremy:

Microsoft currently only allows OEMs to pre-install XP on netbooks with a single 160GB hard drive or smaller. I don't know for sure if they limit the memory as well.

Doesn't Intel limit the screen resolution and other stuff with a atom CPU?

I popped in a 500GB Western Digital scorpio blue drive in my netbook. Along with the Windows 7 RC on one partition.

By Xylem on Oct 1, 2009

^Bob

Yes, screen resolution is one major issue with last gen atoms. I have a Acer Aspire One and it never shows the awesome windows 7 boot screen simply because MS has set a precondition on boot that it has to be 1024 x 768 minimum and these have native (read unchangeable) 1024 x 600. :( Oh BTW, I have win 7 RC on mine too.

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