Microsoft Puts Limits on Windows 7 Netbook Specs

News
By Jane McEntegart
published

According to several reports, Microsoft plans to limit which netbooks can run Windows 7 and which can’t with a list of maximum hardware specs for little machines running the OS.

Microsoft has set limitations for netbooks to ensure Windows 7 netbooks will stay as cheap, low end laptops. Unfortunately, the specs laid out on TechARP don’t exactly leave room for netbook technology to progress.

With netbooks becoming increasingly popular with students and casual computer users choosing netbooks over actual notebooks and expecting them to fill the shoes of a regular notebook, there had been hope we’d see the little notebooks grow a little with Windows 7. That’s looking less likely with these limits:

*Screens cannot exceed 10.2 inches
*Maximum 1 GB of RAM
*Maximum 250 GB HDD or 64 SSD
*CPU must not exceed 2 GHz, and have a CPU thermal design power that is less than or equal to 15 W, not including the graphics and chipset.

So how 'bout it, would you shell out the extra cash for an ultraportable notebook? Before we knew anything of the Windows 7 specs limits we were already feeling confined by the ones for XP. Now we're even more tempted to buy the more expensive option. Then again, that's exactly what Microsoft wants with this, so go figure.

Jane McEntegart
69 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Ubuntu, anyone?
    Reply
  • doomtomb
    That's absolutely retarded. They are so full of their own ad campaign they are making it a reality at the expense of their consumers. What if the user wants the powerful netbook? (bit of an oxymoron there)
    Reply
  • velocityg4
    That must be the maximum specs for Windows 7 Starter Edition.

    As I could not see Windows 7 Ultimate checking the specs then the manufacturers website and saying sorry the manufacturer calls this a Netbook but it is too powerful Windows 7 is now being disabled.
    Reply
  • timaahhh
    I don't care for netbooks as they are now. I like the price point and the size, but at Best buy they netbooks seem to bog down in youtube. I know that bestbuy puts a bunch of bloatware, especially on the display models, but that was just sad.

    If a netbook was just a bit more powerful I would be happy to get it, even if it was in the 300+ range. I have a desktop for gaming and stuff like that, but laptops need to be quick for me to be useful. I can't wait for em to r load java and flash and quick time. Just cause I'm not gaming don't mean they don't have to run multi-media stuff quickly.

    I wondering are these max specs for Windows 7 starter?
    Reply
  • This is like saying that condom manufacturers will be limiting the size of penises that use their condoms can fit so they can ensure the cost of goods sold stays low.
    Reply
  • razzb3d
    retarded indeed. they are kind of shooting themselves in the foot with this...

    i personally would stay away from that version of windows an run a windows XP or something on my 2Gb of ram netbook.

    Again, at the risk of tom's hardware moderator erasing my post, Microsoft can go **** themselves.
    Reply
  • B-Unit
    Im confused why M$ cares about maximum specs. They dont sell hardware, they get the same cash if its a 1.6Ghz Atom or 3.0Ghz Core2.
    Reply
  • maaksel
    Then you buy the ultimate/home premium type edition... this will be for the starter/entry level of Windows 7.... designed for starter/entry level computers. Although it sucks, it makes sense.

    I don't really care either way, i have an Microsoft MVP in the family, so a I get anything Microsoft makes for free =P

    doomtombThat's absolutely retarded. They are so full of their own ad campaign they are making it a reality at the expense of their consumers. What if the user wants the powerful netbook? (bit of an oxymoron there)
    Reply
  • razzb3d
    P.S. I don't pirate microsoft's OSs, (well, maby win98 on my dosbos). I own 2 Windows Vista 64 licences, 1 windows XP, and i am currently testing a legitimate copy of Windows 7 RC, and providing feedback.

    Reply
  • japnoise99
    God forbid technology advances...
    Reply