Windows 7 Starter gets strict specification list

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 26 May 2009 at 09:40

Microsoft will limit Windows 7 Starter to netbooks running single-core processors with screens no larger than 10.2in, according to reports.

Microsoft will demand netbook makers restrict Windows 7 Starter edition to machines with no more than 1GB of RAM, a maximum hard drive size of 250GB, or a solid-state drive no larger than 64GB, and a single-core processor no faster than 2GHz, according to TechARP.

Alongside, the strict limit on cores, Microsoft will also stipulate that processors have a power draw of less than 15W, not including in-built graphics.

Such restrictions could prove problematic as netbooks increasingly grow closer to their laptop cousins, especially with Intel's dual-core Atoms, though the chip giant has restricted the sale of those processors to nettop makers to date.

The restrictions are similar to those imposed on netbook makers looking to utilise Windows XP. However, in that instance, Microsoft allowed the operating system to be used on 12.1in screens and didn't determine a maximum power draw.

Rumours also suggest that Microsoft is considering scrapping the three app limit on Windows 7 Starter edition. The limit would have meant that netbook users could only run three applications at a time, severely hampering the usability of the device.

We are awaiting a Microsoft response at the time of writing.