According to Paul Thurrott, Microsoft will be lifting the three running application limit for Windows 7 Starter Edition.Previously with XP and Vista, Starter Edition was designed to run on low end equipment and be sold in what Microsoft called "developing markets." But for Windows 7, Microsoft moved Starter Edition into the rest of the world and decided to sell Home Basic in the developing markets instead. Starter Edition is expected to be sold on netbook class systems, so even if there isn't a software coded limit to how many applications you can run at one time, the limited amount of processor and memory resources in the computer will continue to be the deciding factor.
Even so, since Windows 7 has been engineered to work better on systems with fewer resources, many users report a positive experience even running the Ultimate edition of the beta and RC on lower end equipment. As we reported and proved today, even older systems running with 1.3GHz Celeron processors and 512MB of RAM can easily run Windows 7.
According to TechARP, Microsoft is also adjusting the guidelines for systems that can be sold with Starter Edition. This information has not yet been confirmed by Microsoft.
- CPU: Single core processor that operates at 2GHz or less and uses 15W or less of power
- Screen Size: 10.2 inches or smaller (previously 12.1")
- RAM: 1GB or less
- Storage: Up to 250GB hard drive or 64GB SSD (previously 160GB or 32GB SSD)
- Graphics: No restrictions on touch screen or graphics
Other restrictions currently in place on Starter Edition users include the inability to change the desktop background. No word yet on if this restriction will be removed as well, which for many users would be more annoying than the application limit.
For the record, if they dump the three app limit, I may buy a Win 7 netbook for something small and light to carry with me.
Other than physical cpu limits, there's the normal 4GB 32bit ram limit, but that's for every OS.
Aside from that, starter not letting you change the wallpaper etc sounds pretty silly, but I'm with many who wonder why have starter at all and not just go with home basic.
Other than physical cpu limits, there's the normal 4GB 32bit ram limit, but that's for every OS.
Aside from that, starter not letting you change the wallpaper etc sounds pretty silly, but I'm with many who wonder why have starter at all and not just go with home basic.
HP Edtion are limited to 1 CPU also
pro , ultimate support 2 CPUs
India, Brazil, China, Russia and other similar countries are precisiely what Microsoft is calling a developing country. These countries are too rich to be third world and there is still too much poverty to be first world so the CIA and the UN have labed them "developing nations".
If MS can sell a feature-crippled version of Windows to netbook OEMs for cheap, even free, and it's at least marginally usable, what's the problem here? One might even make the point that limiting the number of open apps on low-end hardware might even enhance the user experience.
That said, 3 concurrent apps was probably a bit too strict a limit. 5 or 6 would probably be more like it.
Microsoft needs to make money, and Netbooks are sold very cheap.
Now if Microsoft charges the normal price, it is too expensive for Netbooks and cuts into profits of Netbook manufacturers.
If Microsoft charges less for Windows on Netbooks and gives out the same version, the manufacturers get angry cause they want more profit and to pay less for Windows on expensive machines also.
This was the reason for bringing in a limited version that is really cheap to the manufacturers and doesn't give the manufacturers a reason for profit riot.
I'm a post modern classic guy
Not the right argument. I'd say it's closer to selling you a 4 door car with no back seat and the rear doors welded shut.
i'm just glad microsoft seem to be listening thus far, someone who has contacts please tell them not to ruin 7 with a horrible pricing model, i really hate to pay 300+$ for an OS, i will... but i'll feel like those apple folks who pay a premium
Two years from now, it will be difficult to assemble from new parts such a machine without very deliberate "manufactured just to clear the limits" gear.
Why not say "Intended for machines with a MSRP of USD 400 (or similar segmentation appropriate for the region) or below."
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