Windows 7 Starter Hardware Limitations Leaked, 3 App Limit Also Said to be Removed

[alexp999]

As it was with Windows XP and Vista, Microsoft impose certain hardware limits to be able to install and use the most basic SKU of Windows, the Starter Edition. It seems Microsoft have lifted the limit on the specifications over that of XP and Vista Starter editions, with the only exceptions being a reduction in screen size from 12.1" to 10.2" and still only 1 GB RAM. Microsoft will also be imposing the same limitations on Windows 7 Home Basic For Small Notebook PCs but in China Only.
Paul Thurrot also revealed on Friday that Microsoft will be removing the "3 app limit" on Windows 7 Starter, which would have prevented users from running more than three applications at any time, thus severely crippling the functionality of the OS.


View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Mussels]

it seems like they've adjusted the limitations in sensible ways.

 

[Error 404]

So this will be coming out on netbooks soon? As long as it functions like any other version (in general), then I'm happy with it; I would just install XP, Linux or Vista if it had a 3 app limit...

 

[Mussels]

i suppose the main point of this, is that MS really wants to see its OS on netbooks but realises it would drive the price up too high.

 

[DaC]

What d... ??? Single Core ? Neither 2gb of RAM ? Hell, my EEEpc 701 got 2gb already
Ha ha, so it means no go for dual core Atom any soon in a Netbook market ?

 

[Basard]

this is totally asinine...... why not just kick us all in the nuts instead?

or better yet.... bring back windows ce?

 

[Baum]

windows starter 7=???
kinda like what?
Windows XP FLP

XP Embedded, MCE, Pro, Home;

 

[Triprift]

looks like we will see xp around for even longer as Home and premium wont be on netbooks anytime soon due to minimum specs.

 

[Atnevon]

I think some folks read it wrong. It says any cpu "under" 2.0 and a a thermal power less than 15w. That means they are opening the gate for AMD to put stuff in netbooks, and be able to distribute with Win7.

Thats what I read from it anyway.

 

[lemonadesoda]

I am sad to see the 10.2" screen restriction. That is just encouraging "undersized" netbooks. To get some valuable productivity a 10.2" is already too small. Unless of course you want your users to stick their nose 10" from the screen. Which, IMO, is encouraging some kind of medical and/or visual risk.

Screen size should NOT COUNT at all. If you want to have a big screen for kids or visually impared, incl. pensioners, then the bigger the better.

Perhaps a screen RESOLUTION max would have been better, ie. UNDER 1080 means no HD. Much cleverer. ie. up to 1024 in the "y" would be allowed, anything more, ie.1050 or 1080 or higher would not be allowed.

 

[tkpenalty]

Note guys this OS is not for First world countries.

 

[Deleted member 3]

this is totally asinine...... why not just kick us all in the nuts instead?

or better yet.... bring back windows ce?

Windows CE isn't gone, it's called Windows mobile now. And it certainly isn't that suitable for a netbook, a netbook is too large.

 

[lemonadesoda]

Actually, you could use Windows Mobile on a (lower end) Netbook. It could do with an enhancement or two (WM 7.0?) and some additional/better apps designed for VGA and higher resolutions rather than the quarter VGA is was originally designed for.

I sometimes RDP to my desktop using my iPaq 214 (with VGA). If WM7.0 devices had a larger memory map and a larger DLL load, then, in theory, Open Office + Thunderbird or similar could be compiled for it.

Then it would be quite suitable for a "3rd world" OS.

But that would require an investment in WM, rather than just using Win7 with policy restrictions. However, WM is much more attractive as you make it ROM based and bootloader based making copyright infringment a real technical exercise. (Unlike just getting a bootleg full Win OS and installing over your crippled 3-app-Win7-africa)