Microsoft readies new max specs for Windows 7 netbooks

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    Microsoft readies new max specs for Windows 7 netbooks


    Posted: 22 May 2009
    For Windows 7, “Microsoft has made several critical changes to the maximum hardware specifications allowed for Windows 7 Start / Home Basic editions, as well as the Windows XP and Windows Vista Small Notebook PC program,” TechARP said. Among these changes are:


    “(A) greatly simplified and universal CPU criterion designed for easy understanding and management
    Removal of the graphics and touch limitations
    Limiting screen size to a maximum of 10.2 inches (measured diagonally) as the defining boundary between a Small Notebook PC and a full-featured laptop”
    Specifically, according to TechARP’s information, Microsoft’s maximum specs for machines it will consider to be netbooks/”small notebooks” will change in the following ways:

    Screen size: With XP and Vista, maximum allowable screen size was 12.1 inches; with Windows 7, it will be 10.2 inches

    Storage: Maximum limits for XP and Vista: 160 GB HDD or 32 GB SDD; with Windows 7, it will be 250 GB HDD or 64 GB SDD

    Graphics: With XP and Vista, netbooks/small notebooks was “less than or equal to DX9; with Windows 7, there will be no limitation

    CPUs: With XP and Vista, netbooks/small notebooks had to have “single core processors that do not exceed 1 GHz frequency, or Intel Atom (N270, N280, 230, Z500, Z510, Z515, Z520, Z530, Z540, Z550); Intel Celeron 220; AMD (MV-40, 1050P, TF-20, Geode LX, Athlon 2650e, Sempron 210U); VIA (C7-M ULV, Nano U1700, U2250, U2300, U2400 or U2500). With Windows 7, the maximum will be “single core processors that do not exceed 2 GHz frequency, and have a CPU thermal design power that is less than or equal to 15 W, not including the graphics and chipset.”

    Recent reports claim netbook demand is down — which is a mixed blessing for PC makers and Microsoft, given that netbooks have been the only bright spot in an otherwise declining PC market. Whether that trend will continue through the Windows 7 launch this year will be interesting to see. I know I’m still planning on making my first Windows 7 machine a netbook.
    Read more
    raj11650's Avatar Posted By: raj11650
    22 May 2009



  1. Posts : 201
    Windows 7 RTM x86/x64
       #1

    What do you mean, MAX specs? That's as good as it gets? a 12" mini will only be able to view in 10" mode?

    I really hope that these should mean minimum specs.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 851
    win 7 build 7600.16385 x64
    Thread Starter
       #2

    These are the maximum specification for a PC to be called as
    net book(small notebook as M$ prefers to call them) i guess
    (exceeding this spec can be called as notebook)

    it is dictated by M$ to let user know which PCs will qualify for lower per-copy Windows 7 pricing
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,941
    Linux CENTOS 7 / various Windows OS'es and servers
       #3

    Hi all

    I can't believe some of this GARBAGE I'm reading.
    What planet are some of these CEO's on -- NOBODY is going to be anything other than IRRITATED by having a screen of whatever size where you can't use the WHOLE 100% screen real estate.

    Is a user today really going to sit in front of a computer and work with a small square surrounded by black edges.

    This might be OK if you are testing some apps temporarily using a Virtual machine on a Huge monitor but it's NOT acceptable for normal uses.

    C'mon peeps -- get real -- reduced Video functionality (especially in the days of HDTV etc) is NOT a runner.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 990
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #4

    Before everyone freaks out and calls W7 'Crippleware'...

    Some clarification here;
    This will only affect Netbooks. They're a useless fad anyway so who really cares? Besides, if you're bundling a netbook AND an OS for $300, what do you expect?

    Sorry but, this makes sense. Besides, these Ultra Low Cost PCs (ULPCS) can't fully take advantage of W7 Ultimate anyway.

    New! New Hardware Limitations & Comparison
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Microsoft readies new max specs for Windows 7 netbooks-image1.png  
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 410
    Windows 7 RTM x64
       #5

    i bet to differ in regard to useless fad. i have one, i can lift it with two fingers and has a battrery life of 9 hours ( with higher spec battery) i use it for my buisness and couldnt be without it. Lots of people i know with one would be lost without one
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,941
    Linux CENTOS 7 / various Windows OS'es and servers
       #6

    damoh said:
    i bet to differ in regard to useless fad. i have one, i can lift it with two fingers and has a battrery life of 9 hours ( with higher spec battery) i use it for my buisness and couldnt be without it. Lots of people i know with one would be lost without one
    Hi Damoh

    I agree 100% with you

    Whilst waiting for the "inevitable delayed train" at Manchester Airport station in the UK the other day I made over 1700 GBP on the Stock exchange with a "Spread Bet" on the FTSE 100 index. The Netbook was absolutely fine for this purpose. On a crowded platform a Huge (although magnificent) Alienware laptop would have been IMPOSSIBLE to use.

    If these Netbooks are just fads I'll have more of them.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 410
    Windows 7 RTM x64
       #7

    to be fair i do suppose its what you use them for. I own a game server company and use it all the time to monitor servers and install customers. I would defo be lost without it, combined with 3 mobile broadband u cant beat it, Use it more then my desktop
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 29
    Win 7 64 bit, 7127
       #8

    Netbook = Portable Porn.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 3,028
    Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) SP1
       #9

    Wyodiver said:
    Netbook = Portable Porn.
    that literally made me laugh out loud
      My Computer


 
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