HP netbooks likely to run "at least" three versions of Windows 7
By Donald Melanson 
posted Feb 10th 2009 7:52PM
posted Feb 10th 2009 7:52PM
How many versions of Windows 7 can a netbook run? Three, and possibly more, according to HP's Kyle Thornton, who recently attempted to "clarify" the situation in an interview with Computerworld. Those include in the main Professional and Home Premium editions, as well as the low-end Starter edition which, among other things, is limited to running no more than three applications at a time. According to Thornton, HP has also been testing Windows 7 Ultimate on its Mini netbook line, although it apparently isn't saying if it actually intends to offer it on future netbooks or not. But that's not all. Thornton also says that HP "hopes" that it'll be able to continue to offer both Windows XP and Vista Business on its business-oriented netbooks even after Windows 7 ships... and ships, and ships.
hp
ha! no
no need for XP
no need for vista
it must suck that manufacturers have to test all those different versions to see which one runs good.
3 applications at one time... erm...
maybe we only need one if really need to boot Win7 ---> vmware ;-)
what's the point of selling an OS at high price while only limited to 3 apps. at one time?
Indeed, no need for Vista. You want an awesome OS? You get XP. You want a new, flashy OS? You get Windows 7. You want a broken piece of shit? You want Vis...no, actually, you want go die please.
HMMM......My Mini says there will be no need for Vista after 7. My Mini also says that the Starter version is pointless. Bow to the mighty Mini....
The starter version will be sold to OEMs only. If you're using 7 for an info terminal or something similar, it makes sense to run only one application. Assuming that the license is cheaper, you'd use 7 Starter for that purpose. So, no, it's not pointless.
I appreciate having multiple SKU's to choose from, but they're really just duplicating functionality here. Keep W7 HP, ditch Vista Business and keep W7 pro, ditch W7 Basic and keep XP. That should cover all your markets
Blahhh I'm getting a stomachache from so much Windows 7.
Wrong direction HP. Thought you almost had it with MIE, that amazingly awesome linux based OS, but now you go back to Windows? Dump it! Not meant for Netbooks.
Imbecile.
there's actually people like me who need to use Windows to get work done
Keep both Linux and Windows options, because there are many who still want Windows with compatibility with their programs. Linux is a good option to reduce the price from having no Windows license.
What did the Acer guy say in the interview over on laptopmag.com? The linux share of the Acer Aspire One market was like 5%... Dude, get a clue, you don't represent the average person.
Even if you rather not have windows no one stopping you from installing it over windows.
Just the general public rather use something that they know and understand easily. Also know 99% of the stuff they buy program wise will work on windows (no other OS can really say that).
Even with the netbook craze, I don't see XP, Vista, and 7 coexisting.
Anyone think Windows Mobile 7 will launch with Windows 7?
I hope WinMo 7 will come with 7. That would be sweet!
I hope so too.
windows 7 can run on a wider range of hardware than vista, so it should be able to replace both, but there's always businesses (especially larger ones) that are very resistant to change in their technology.
I wish someone would take XP and just bury it somewhere secret were no-one can find it again.
Starter Edition is for emerging markets (3rd world) so obviously depending on the price of the notebook it depends whether it gets ultimate, home or pro.
Why exactly does Engadget keep trying to complicate this ?
Actually you have it backwards. Starter WILL be sold in the developed world, thru OEM installs, probably on netbooks. Home Basic will be confined to emerging markets.
Why do you keep trying to confuse this?
Have you ever seen Starter being sold before on any computer anywhere? Vista had a Starter SKU but it was for emerging markets only. We only saw Home Basic, Premium, Business, and Ultimate. The home's have been merged in the developed world, so basically we will be seeing Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. Starter is heavily stripped down and cheapened to run on stuff like OLPC. I dont think microsoft in their right minds would allow it to be sold in the US or any other advanced nation if they cared at all about customer expectations and satisfaction not to mention PR.
Sounds great. Except that HP has said they expect to sell Windows 7 Starter:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=knowledge_center&articleId=9127641&taxonomyId=1&intsrc=kc_top
To quote the article linked above:
February 9, 2009 (Computerworld) In a vote of confidence for Windows 7's suitability for use on netbook PCs, Hewlett-Packard Co. said it will likely offer at least three different editions of the upcoming operating system on future models of its Mini netbooks.
That includes the Professional and Home Premium editions, which Microsoft Corp. last week said will be the two primary versions of Windows 7, and the low-end Starter edition, which will limit users to running three applications at a time.
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.
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As part of last week's announcement, Microsoft confirmed that there will be no special "netbook SKU" of Windows 7. Instead, PC makers will be allowed to install the Starter edition, formerly consigned to developing countries only...
In Major4Play's defence, the Starter edition of Windows has been restricted to developing countries traditionally. Its role has now been swapped with Home Basic's for Windows 7. It would have been far simpler if Microsoft had left the naming conventions alone.
I don't see the 3 app limitation on the starter edition being a deal breaker. I usually run a IE, Outlook and maybe a paint program or Visual Studio. Especially on a netbook.
And all the gadgets don't count as apps (I don't think)
JCreator FTW!
Why don't they make windows 7 starter edition free? Kind of like a demo that doesn't run out. That way Microsoft can get customers, and if they like windows 7 starter they can simply upgrade to a "real" version.
It would also keep linux from being used, good for microsoft in the netbook area.
That is actually the most sensible thing I have heard on engadget, ever
@tum: I second that sentiment. Great idea.
that is a great idea. maybe: make it a live disc with an install option as well (so ppl can try it before installing it), and distribute it with bittorrent (to save costs).
MS can really learn a lesson or two from some of their competition other than the unmentionable white fruit.
How about a free trial version that will expire in a few months?
Good idea, but isn't that what the beta is for?
I mean, Ive been using W7 Ultimate X64 for over a month now, and will continue to do so indefinitely until they force it to stop working.
Oh microsoft...
Stoked for 7, death to XP!
I second that motion.
don't worry guys, you wont get the starter edition over there...
we like to call it "the windows for poor people". it's the operating system that we always get around this side of america (south america to be more precise)
f*** you microsoft. you were doing good with windows 7...why did you have to do all this again ?...
bleh. i'll deff stick with crunchbang, mint or ubuntu.
It always seems (from the various forums wherein I lurk) that DreamLinux was the prime version Down Southward.
I really think we're all missing the big question here... will this netbook still support our copies of Microsoft BOB?
I've been running Windows 7 Ultimate on my mini for about 4 weeks now. Runs great and have no intentions of ever going back to XP.
well it's good that there are only 3 versions coming out
7
Does 'three applications' for Starter include explorer.exe?
I assume it will only limit non-essential system processes
Such a mundane reply from someone with such a wacky name.
You should have added, "However, due to it's essential nature to all users, minesweeper.exe will run at all times, and every time you click a mine, the other two applications will be terminated."
I mean, every time you click a mine OR the timer expires.
what M$ needs to do is release a special version of windows thats optimized for netbooks.
I know, I know, win 7 is supposed to run great on netbooks, but why cant they release something
in between mobile and 7 starter ( or whatever the heel it's called) that can run quickly on 1.33 to 1.6 GHz processors and low amounts of ram. I think it is a great idea.
... but, then again I think all ideas I have are great.
They don't need to being that the full version already runs just fine on the current netbook hardware. Why strip it down when there is no need for it?
I cant see how HP would still offer XP and Vista after windows 7 comes out. Im sure microsoft will stop offering XP or Vista licenses to OEMs or otherwise once win7 is out. If they left the option of XP or Vista they would just be sending the message to consumers, that maybe windows 7 isnt going to live up to your expectations so you should stick with XP........forever.
Microsoft ALWAYS offers the current OS with a downgrade to the previous version for a time after a new OS comes out. Doesn't mean XP will still be sold after Windows 7 comes out though...
I think they should make 2 versions, a "light" version for netbooks and a full version and thats it. The disc should run a test and determine which will run best and tell you, but still give you the option to install the light or regular version, Both should come on 1 disc at 1 decent price.
my netbook and older pentium 4s should be able to run it with at least 512mb of ram, and it should be snappy, speedy, at least the same speed as xp.
Wow, I'm stunned that no one has mentioned the new 2140 HPs that are about $500 on the BUSINESS end of this shin-dig. HP updated the hard-core (non-plastic) HP mini-note like today, from what it looks like 7200 RPM 160GB drives, 10/12" models, and atom processors. Crazy.
Think 'll wait for Asus tablet netbook, a good match for Windows 7.
3 apps.... i can't remember the last time I ran just 3 apps at any given time.
Um...seriously....why is this news? Who care how many versions of W7 are offered on a Netbook? This is nothing new....you've always had Business and consumer version....but now there are 2 consumer versions. There's got to be more interesting things to report. Seriously.