Netbooks and Windows 7

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jonathan18

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#43014 15-Oct-2009 14:05

Hi there

I'm in the market for a cheap netbook (sub $800 probably), wanting to purchase it by early next year for study purposes.

One thing I'm wanting to clarify is: when we can expect to have manufacturers releasing netbooks with Windows 7 on them? This will effect whether I wait around for a machine with Windows 7, or just go ahead and get a Windows XP machine when I see it at a good price.

Unlike with full-sized laptops, I haven't noticed retailers offering cheap/free upgrades from XP>7 on netbooks yet, but perhaps they are and I haven't noticed them? Or are they not offering it it because netbooks don't tend to come with DVD drives, so that may make it more difficult to upgrade to Windows 7? Or for reasons of price? (I see Asus, which is the brand I'm likely to end up with, doesn't offer free upgrades for its netbooks - see http://event.asus.com/2009/windows7/)

Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.

Cheers
Jonathan

vinnieg

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#264084 15-Oct-2009 14:47

October the 22nd you will see quite a few :)

I've got my Asus 1005HA running windows 7 RTM + XP. runs really nicely, with aero even, I've upgraded it to 2gb, but it was running fine on 1gb.

With windows 7, expect to see more Ion netbooks too and CULV ones. I'd wait out. The Mini 311 is coming on Windows 7 release date with Ion.

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pebbles

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#264102 15-Oct-2009 16:41

The other thing to remember is Windows 7 is not upgradable from XP, only vista - hence the no free upgrade offers.

jonathan18

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#264296 16-Oct-2009 15:36

Thanks for the replies - useful comments.

Having done a bit more digging, I've got some further questions regarding the flavour of Windows 7 the cheaper netbooks are likely to come with - Starter Edition.

The 1GB memory limit of this edition: is this just what companies wanting to install Windows 7 are limited to selling (ie, the purchaser can upgrade this to the maximum allowed by the hardware), or is the OS actually crippled to allow access to only 1GB?

Second, am I right in assuming that when it is reported it won't have "DVD playback" that simply means it won't have such provision "out of the box", and that it will simply require the installation of any suitable piece of software to enable the netbook to play DVD files?

Also, while I'm glad MS have given up on the maximum of 3 applications running at once, I'm astounded they're going to the extent of prohibiting the changing of background wallpaper! Are there (or is it likely there will be) any hacks to get around such ridiculous limitations?

Thanks in advance...

vinnieg

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#265416 20-Oct-2009 18:43

I've heard a few rumours microsoft isn't going to cripple Windows 7 Starter, but Microsoft have been quite slight with the details.

Yeah that 3 max app thing was sooo stupid :)

I reckon there will be the usual hacks, there's hacks to turn the RC client into an upgradable Win7(so you don't lose your info if you get an RTM, OEM or Retail copy, it just upgrades it for you.

In Vista basic there was the "aero" hack which didn't really work too well or look as good as the Premium aero. I reckon we'll see ways around any limitations Microsoft put in place

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Ragnor

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#265637 21-Oct-2009 13:19

jonathan18: Hi there

One thing I'm wanting to clarify is: when we can expect to have manufacturers releasing netbooks with Windows 7 on them? This will effect whether I wait around for a machine with Windows 7, or just go ahead and get a Windows XP machine when I see it at a good price.

If you don't need it right now I would wait. Netbook specifications, hardware and pricing will have undoubtably improved by early next year.. the relentless march of technology.

I expect Netbooks will start to come with Windows 7 fairly soon. If not you will likley be able to get an OEM version when you purchase your notebook for not too much probably ~$150 or less I would expect.

A DVD drive is not needed to install Windows 7, it's very easy to create a bootable USB thumb drive with the Windows 7 install on it and install from that. Installing from USB is faster than installing from DVD anyway.

pebbles

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#265651 21-Oct-2009 13:45

Windows 7 starter is completely upgradable to the other versions, via download I think using the Anytime Upgrade. Also some amazing netbooks coming out from what I have seen. Definitely worth doing.

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heavenlywild

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#265655 21-Oct-2009 13:53

Tomorrow is the day as Windows 7 launches!