http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/27/microsoft-shows-off-snippet-of-windows-7-at-d6-reveals-multi/ you complain about Apple bashing, but then bash MS here. Does this really affect you? Does it make one damn bit of difference to you about any limitation in a Windows product? Or are you just bitching and complain about a product that you will never use to try and bash MS? Why complain about a product that brings the price of ownership down, allowing more people to get their foot in the door and it may be just what people want?

I never run more than 3 programs at a time on my Acer Aspire - Zune, IE, and mail, but I would probably upgrade to a higher version of Win7 if I bought one of these netbooks. But for others, this would be perfect for them low price on a computer that they will use for light work. But you know more and better than those who may buy this, because you are the Apple fanboy so it must be attacked even if it points out your hypocrisy.]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
See:
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/03/29/microsoft-drops-personalization-from-windows-7-starter-locks-wa/]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 2:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
Microsoft never gets it right. Microsoft fanboys will always be there to protect their beloved company.
Apple never gets it right. Apple fanboys will always be there to protect their beloved company.
Linux never gets it right. Linux fanboys will always be there to protect their beloved company.

That is all.]]>Mar 30th 2009 3:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 3:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
Win.

That is all.]]>Mar 30th 2009 3:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
With about $240,000,000,000 in market cap between Apple and MS, I would argue that they both got some things right. ]]>Mar 30th 2009 5:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 4:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/i think that was the "help with perma-branding within OS" engadget was hinting at.]]>Mar 30th 2009 4:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
I suppose you're trolling, but I'm sorry if I led you to believe that I wasn't aware of how Linux distributions work. I was only simplifying in order to create parallelism; a technique used by many to strengthen the point they're trying to make.

I'll call my statement artistic license, and I'll call you a douchebag. Have a nice day. ]]>Mar 30th 2009 4:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/you forgot to add a WHIP sound at the end of your last post :)

Anyway. reading microsft's statement about linux really ticked me off... Microsoft like Apple and intel are avery bureaucratic enterprises. I just wish google, mozilla, SUN and all the other aperrently goody goody enterprises and open-source software developers win the battle against the evil ones of the world... seriously. if google did an operating system for full feature pcs based on unix or linux (i do know linux is based on unix) id move to it. like android for pc :D, google is so popular it wouldnt have that much trouble with getting the ball going.. (just paste a small icon on google.com redirecting people to their operating system's website [like what the did with chromos, which i didnt ever download because i do like firefox to much an i think it was a bit evil of google to fight firefox])

Anyway. tho i believe windows 7 will be a great hit as in features and performance i still hate the company to much and as soon as i see a viable easy way out of it i wouldnt think it much more than twice (by way out, i mean linux getting support from all the companies that develope hardware and a few propitiatory software like games and adobe. but most importantly most hardware developers).

So go **** yourself microsoft and Viva la revo... Open-Source :)]]>Mar 30th 2009 6:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 7:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
I really haven't met too many Microsoft fanboys. I have a Zune, I use Windows, and I don't know anybody who I would classify as a "MS fanboy" unless you're only talking about teenagers on their Xboxes. And even those few that must exist can't possibly account for the huge percentage of overall users of the products that Apple and Linux enjoy.

I think usually you're mistaking "anti Apple" fanboy for "MS fanboy."]]>Mar 30th 2009 7:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
I beg to differ.

If you think that the iPhone's multitasking prevention is ridiculous, yet think that a 3-application limit for a netbook is perfectly acceptable, you might be a Microsoft fanboy.

If you complain about the $250 price tag for an iPod, yet gladly throw down $250 for the Zune, you might be a Microsoft fanboy.

If you think that Apple's ads are douchey (they are), yet gladly welcome Microsoft's recent ad laden with underhanded Apple jabs and half-truths, you might be a Microsoft fanboy.

If you think that defragmenting your hard drive and installing anti-virus software are necessary to a functioning computer, you might be a Microsoft fanboy.

If you think that selling six versions of the same product is smart, you might be a Microsoft fanboy.

]]>Mar 30th 2009 9:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
Having a strong distaste for Apple's marketing and pricing is not the same as being a Microsoft apologist.]]>Mar 30th 2009 11:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2009/03/30/the-mystery-of-the-3-app-limit-in-windows-7-starter.aspx]]>Mar 31st 2009 3:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 2:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 3:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 3:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/ write & "x:\path\to\app1" & "x:\path\to\app2" ... & "x:\path\to\appN"'. Courtesy of Paul Thurrott. Alternatively you could quickly whip up a program that does one thing: you give it the filepath of a program and it launches it. Take all of 2 minutes. You could even give it a GUI and hope that you can sell it for 5$ a pop. ]]>Mar 30th 2009 8:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
I think he's referring to Ubuntu.]]>Mar 30th 2009 1:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
I knew that something didn't make sense here.]]>Mar 30th 2009 1:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 2:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/If it has USB, there are almost an infinite possible number of hardware combinations. How else do I use my animated male-making-love-to-woman usb thumbstick? or my usb fan to help cool my during the hot spring days? or a vacuum powered by usb to clear out all the cookie crumbs! Think man! Think!]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
Now that's something you don't hear everyday!]]>Mar 30th 2009 1:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 1:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 3:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
Cough Anti-Trust]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
Also, its not like linux has a stake in desktop computing, so it's not like they would be driving any companies out of business

Unless they start giving Windows away for free or buying up all the Linux OS's (which they cannot do because if they incorporate GNU licensed code into their code, they'd be required by law to release their code as open source) I don't think they can be called for doing anti-trust practices.

Until there is a linux "company" that sells a desktop operating system that directly competes with Windows, then there will never be anti-trust lawsuits in this vein.

For now, Linux/Unix will remain as the pillars of server operating systems. They will be a continual pool of innovation and a source of knowledge for new developers and computer scientists, as well as for the old programming dinosaurs ;-)]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 2:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
If Linux wants to play, the devs out there must respond by simply continue focusing on the simplicity of the end user experience. (They're damn close already, IMHO. Ref: Ubuntu.) If they can ultimately trump MS on that, they still have their edge. The market feeds back on itself and the beat goes on.]]>Mar 30th 2009 3:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
We are talking about Atom based machines here with 1 GB of RAM, 1.2 GHz processors, and 8 GB hard drives.

Granted, some users may opt to run multiple apps simultaneously, but they should know that they will likely chug on those machines anyways. Furthermore, taking into consideration the current cost of these systems, this "Starter" edition will appear to be costing users a mere $10 a pop if the rest of the hardware adds up to around $190 or so.

I mean, they are practically getting W7 for free -- of course a limited version of it (then again the entire Linux OS/experience is limiting in and of itself).

So, if SOME users don't like being limited to 3 apps on their already limited and NICHE machines (not all netbooks will feature Starter either mind you), then they can go out and purchase a Home edition of Win 7 for like $100.
But then again, the vast majority of all systems will come with such a version anyways.

Problem solved. ]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
For another thing, personalization isn't exactly "mission critical". It's nice to have. Customization is a nice market feature, a lever, if you will, to help motivate people to buy a license to move up to a better version.

I can see two arguments: "But we've had customization since Win 95!" Yes, we have. These Win7 Starter licenses will be a fraction of the price that Win 95 was, though. It might not be reasonable to expect the same level of content.

The second argument runs along the lines of "well, if it's too crippled, it will encourage piracy..." Not producing a Starter edition will also either promote piracy or drive users to Linux. Providing a cheap, if de-contented, version of Windows at least keeps a volume of users on legitimate software, and begins to marginalize the pirates a bit.

The bulk of the posters on here will never even SEE Win7 Starter Edition. I don't understand what they're complaining about.]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
]]>Mar 30th 2009 2:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
That's not always the case, where the OS is to be blamed for the bloat.

I mean, care to explain why Photoshop CS4 (version 11) requires a 1.8 GHz processors as well as 512MB of RAM but prefers 1GB all unto itself, whereas Photshop 7 only required a Pentium 3 (450 MHz machine) with 128 MB of RAM with 192 Preferred?

Which the quadrupling of system requirements for an app that for the most part (90+ %) in terms of functionality remains the same?

Of course Adobe aren't the only ones guilty of this.
Virtually every single dev out there has increased their system requirements.

So, to solely point the finger at MS and blame them for a bloated OS demanding more powerful hardware is disingenuous.
They are no more or no less guilty than any other developer out there.
]]>Mar 30th 2009 3:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/
anyhow I can seen certain apps only becoming possible/feasible with more speed... but the fact is bloat eats that speed for breakfast a vicious cycle it is (faster computers - more bloated OS -faster computers - more bloated OS that is....)

sure win 98 was nicer than 95 and XP nicer than them ... Vista even as a few neat features but the amount of bloat is just phenomenal considering that for the most part the world would keep ticking along just fine for the most part without anything newer than win 95 (barring computer viruses)

I guess that is why I take a liking to OSes like Haiku Aros and Linux at least they tend to combat bloat a bit instead of embracing it with open arms. Shame really that KDE4 is nearly half as bloated as Vista (pun intended on both their parts)]]>Mar 30th 2009 8:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 2:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/windows-7-starter-edition-to-pave-the-way-for-200-netbooks/Mar 30th 2009 5:42PM