Microsoft readies new max specs for Windows 7 netbooks

[raj11650]

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.

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[abuttino]

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.

 

[raj11650]

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

 

[jimbo45]

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

 

[Captain Zero]

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

 

[damoh]

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

 

[jimbo45]

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

 

[damoh]

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

 

[Wyodiver]

Netbook = Portable Porn.

 

[tw33k]

Netbook = Portable Porn.

that literally made me laugh out loud

 

[TechOutsider]

Well the screen size limit isn't going to help readability. Vista uses very small fonts, compared to XP.