[bmcclure937]

We've already seen plenty of Windows 7 laptops and desktops up for order, but it looks like we're now finally starting to see how things will shake out on netbooks as well. After much confusion in the early days of Windows 7, it appears that Windows 7 Starter edition will indeed be the standard issue offering on the majority of netbooks, and it looks like it'll also demand a slight premium over otherwise comparable XP-based systems. In most cases, Windows 7 Starter seems to add $30 to the cost of a netbook (as with the Dell Mini 10v pictured above), or $50 in Canada if the first few listings on Future Shop are any indication -- which, as Digital Home Thoughts points out, would appear to be quite a bit more than the license fee manufacturers are paying. Of course, there are also a few netbooks that break the mold with Windows 7 Home Premium, and it unsurprisingly appears to be the standard offering on low-cost thin and lights that eschew the netbook moniker altogether. Hit up the link below for a rundown of some of the options already available to order, which is sure to grow considerably in the next few days.

[via Engadget]

[TheLoz]

I just had a quick google for the features missing from starter edition, and found the following:

Originally Posted by Windows Team Blog

• Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the “Windows Basicâ€� 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.

Source: Let?s talk about Windows 7 Starter - Windows 7 Team Blog - The Windows Blog

The first two are particularly major IMO. Windows 7 without Aero enabled is actually rather a poor user experience, because the thumbnails and peeking help so much with finding the window you're looking for. Also, I can't believe that you don't get the option to change your desktop wallpaper!

Considering that the Atom processor and GMA950 are more than capable of handling the full features of even the most advanced version of Windows 7, I think it's inexcusable to charge more for this crippled OS than the fully-featured XP, especially as many purchasers of netbooks won't realise they're buying a turkey and paying over the odds for it! At the very least they should offer a proper version of 7 as well. Very disappointed, and I hope other companies will have the vision not to jump on this 'Non-starter Edition' bandwagon.

~Loz

[dsf3g]

The lack of DVD playback is lame. I suppose 3rd party solutions will substitute.

But the lack of multi-monitor support is very lame, as anyone who's done a Powerpoint on a projector can attest.

No fast-user-switching is kinda lame... but not so big a deal on a netbook, I suppose.

As for the missing "personalization features" I assume you can still change your background image, but just can't use some of the more gee wiz personalization features of 7. If I'm mistaken on this account, then that's super lame.

[Impreza.STi]

Well...as everyone should have known that it's just another trap from MS to "force" people into buying larger notebooks...

[TheLoz]

Originally Posted by dsf3g

As for the missing "personalization features" I assume you can still change your background image, but just can't use some of the more gee wiz personalization features of 7. If I'm mistaken on this account, then that's super lame.

You really can't change the wallpaper, it's ludicrous! No idea what the justification is for that one...

Originally Posted by Impreza.STi

Well...as everyone should have known that it's just another trap from MS to "force" people into buying larger notebooks...

MS has stated that this isn't and shouldn't be thought of as the 'netbook SKU'. It's more for emerging marketplaces. I guess you're always gonna get companies speccing the cheapest version to cut costs. I would have expected more from Dell though!

[MikePA]

Originally Posted by TheLoz

I would have expected more from Dell though!

We have no idea who, Dell or Microsoft, set the rules for Win7 on netbooks, so don't blame it on Dell and, no, I'm not a Dell fanboy just stating facts. Clearly, the limitations for Win7 on netbooks are not technical, they are marketing and, for everyone on this forum, irrelevant.

[strider_mt2k]

After seeing how well the full OS scales to different machines that comes off as more of a joke or maybe even an insult, both to the hardware and it's users.

[holmes4]

It's simply a matter of cost. I don't know why Dell doesn't allow you to pay more up front and get Home Premium.

[TheLoz]

Originally Posted by holmes4

It's simply a matter of cost. I don't know why Dell doesn't allow you to pay more up front and get Home Premium.

Agreed. I'm willing to bet Windows 7 Starter is actually cheaper than XP Home, though...

[anguish]

It's always a matter of cost. And the company NOT delivering what the consumer wants. Granted, some of us aren't your average consumer who doesn't know their asshole from their elbows, but there are plenty of us that do.

Either way, that's why I'm using my copy of Ultimate from the launch event.