Windows 7 E Editions Preview

[Dinesh]

It may be a while before we know whether Microsoft's decision to offer special "E" versions of Windows 7 in Europe--that is, versions of Windows 7 that do not include Internet Explorer--is crazy like a fox or just plain crazy. But there's little doubt that the software giant's answer to the increasingly irrational antitrust regulators in the EU is inventive. Rather than kowtow to the EU's demands that it bundle competing web browsers in Windows 7 via a so-called ballot screen, Microsoft simply removed the source of the problem. In the Windows 7 E Editions, which will be provided to all of its customers in the EU, Internet Explorer simply isn't included. And you can't add it back via Programs and Features as you can in versions of Windows 7 that will be sold elsewhere around the world.

Read more: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/e_preview.asp

 

[Tews]

You cant have it both ways. Where was the outcry of the people of the EU when all of this was going on?? Im sure that everyone knew what the EU courts were after ... and whose pockets were going to get raided! Now that Microsoft has decided on how they are going to respond to the judgment, everyone is crying foul!

It may sound harsh, but you ( as in the EU ) made your own bed, now its time to lay in it..

 

[Fliplip]

I read that IE8 could well be a service pack or update add on, just like it is now for XP.

 

[srq2625]

I don't know if it's crazy (one way or the other) or not, but I do think it's just a bit more than mildly passive-aggressive. A real case of "one-upmanship". MS to EU, "I call your suit and raise you an O/S without a browser."

Who's going to win? That's anyone's guess. I do have a strong feeling about who the ultimate looser will be in this - a select subset of the the consumer demographic (those who will be buying Win7 in a box) will be taking it in the shorts.

And how the EU can cry foul after having published their findings/opinions/declaration is beyond me. MS has only conformed to the EU's written wishes. The opinion that in doing so MS has not conformed to the spirit of the finding is beside the point - holds about as much water as a bucket made of gauze fabric.</soapbox>

 

[Fliplip]

While not disagreeing with you i do feel that anyone who is going to attempt to install a OS from scratch (as us in the UK will have to do) really should know what they are doing and so it shouldn't be a problem.
Im sure OEM's will bundle some sort of browser with new PC's so that shouldn't be a problem.
Im quite pleased that we are getting a full version of Home premium for just £49 (limited offer of course).

IMHO of course.