Microsoft's Windows 7 Starter Edition, primarily meant for low-power PCs and ultra-portable netbooks, could disappoint some users who want features such as desktop personalization and DVD playback, suggests a new survey by online electronics marketplace Retrevo. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has suggested in the past that Microsoft will try and steer consumers away from netbooks and toward higher-priced "ultra-thins" that presumably run higher-margin versions of Windows 7.Microsoft's
version of Windows 7 for netbooks may disappoint some users, according to a new
survey released by online electronics marketplace Retrevo.
Retrevos survey found that 79 percent of the 1100
respondents surveyed were not planning on purchasing a netbook this year. Of the
remaining 21 percent, 54 percent knew that Windows 7 came in different
versionssuch as Starter and Ultimatebut only 39 percent knew that the Windows
7 Starter edition lacked some Windows XP features such as desktop
personalization and DVD Playback.
"Retrevo was not surprised to discover that 61 [percent] of
consumers intending to buy a netbook computer were not aware of limitations in
Windows 7 Starter Edition," explained a Nov.
5 posting on the Retrevo Blog. "When Retevo pointed out the differences, 56
percent of those respondents said they would not be satisfied if their net
netbook came with Windows 7 Starter Edition."
Specifically, Retrevo's blog post suggests, consumers may not
be aware that Windows 7 Starter Edition will not allow a netbook to play DVDs
even if an external DVD drive is connected to the device. Windows 7 Starter
Editions lack of multi-monitor support, Windows XP Mode, Windows Media Center,
and shiny Aero interface features may also have a negative impact on users.
Netbook sales have represented a bright spot for an otherwise
moribund PC industry in 2009, with consumers gravitating toward the devices as
an ultra-cheap and super-portable way to fulfill most of their tech needs.
Aware of their popularity, Microsoft introduced a method by
which netbook users could download an install Windows 7 on their machines, a
number of which lack DVD drives. From Microsofts revamped online store, a
stripped-down Windows 7 for Netbooks can be downloaded onto a bootable USB or
burned to a DVD.
"For netbook users without DVD drivers, the Windows 7
USB/DVD Download Tool [WUDT] will take an ISO image and create a bootable UDB
device that can be used to install Windows 7," Microsoft spokesperson Brandon
LeBlanc wrote
in an Oct. 22 entry on The Windows Blog. "The WUDT can also create a Windows
7 installation DVD from the ISO file as well."
However, those wishing to boot off a USB device or external
DVD player will need to configure their BIOS in order to make that happen, a
fact that may lead some netbook owners to seek assistance from someone more
tech-minded.
(Update: As of Nov. 10, Microsoft seems to have removed the ability to purchase Windows 7 for Netbooks from its online store, possibly in a dispute over the tool's coding. More on this story as it develops.)
Despite the concession to netbooks for Windows 7, Microsoft has publically
expressed an urge to pull consumers toward higher-priced devices.
During Microsofts annual Financial Analyst Meeting on July
30, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told gathered analysts that his companys
manufacturing partners would begin introducing ultra-thin PCs onto the market by
the end of 2009. Those devices, which would feature larger screens and more
processing power while maintaining portability, would presumably sell at a
higher price point and run versions of Windows that offer Microsoft higher
margins.
"We want people to be able to get the advantages of
lightweight performance and be able to spend more money with us," Ballmer
told the assembled analysts.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with a mention that Windows 7 for Netbooks is no longer available for sale on Microsoft's online store as of Nov. 10.
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