Windows 7 SE will be limited to netbooks - and cost more than Windows XP

Microsoft has confirmed the restrictions for the ‘Starter Edition’ of Windows 7 — a low-cost, cut-down version of its imminent new operating system. As expected, Windows 7 SE will be limited to small screen, low-power laptops — netbooks, in other words.

Microsoft introduced so-called ‘Starter’ Editions of its operating systems with Windows XP as an attempt to curb piracy in some countries. By offering a genuine version of Windows at prices that could compete with pirated copies, the hope was that the bootleggers would go out of business. The catch was that these starter editions didn’t offer the same set of features as the bootlegged versions of the operating system.

For Windows 7, Microsoft has retooled the Starter Edition idea somewhat. Windows 7 SE will now only be available for small screen, low-power netbooks and  manufacturers won’t be able to use it on other PCs to keep costs down. Fortunately, Microsoft has dropped the original plan of limiting Windows 7 SE to only running three applications at once, but there are still a few omissions…

Here’s what you won’t get in Windows 7 SE:

• 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.

No great loss for netbook users, we’ll think you’ll agree, but bear in mind that Windows 7 SE won’t be available to end-users — only to OEMs for installation on new netbooks. Although pricing has yet to be confirmed, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer did state that it will cost more than Windows XP — which will still be available to netbook manufacturers use for some months to come.

So, come Windows 7 launch day, it looks like anyone buying a new netbook will have a choice of a 10-year old, but fully functional operating system, or a brand-new one that’s missing a few features and won’t run some older applications. Which will you be buying..?

[Via ComputerWorld]