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Microsoft Wrestles Netbook Control From Linux

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
by Ron Schenone

According to what is being described as a ‘leak’, Microsoft has dropped their copy of Windows XP to OEM’s of netbook computers to under $15 a copy. The Redmond software giant is trying to undercut the use of Linux on the pint sized netbook computers that have become so popular. With netbooks selling for less than $300 and with profit margins becoming slim for the OEM’s, this strategy may be an attempt to wrestle control away from Linux. Some of the major OEM’s such as Dell feature Ubuntu on their low cost models.

Yesterday I received a update from Dell which was selling their popular mini 9 with Ubuntu for $279. A check of Dell’s web site showed the same mini 9 with Windows XP for just $20 more at $299 for the same unit. Which may or may not show that Microsoft has reduced their pricing of Windows XP. [Dell site is here]

But what about Windows 7? According to source Microsoft will only offer Windows 7 for netbooks with their starter edition of the operating system. The limitation of the started edition is that the user will only be allowed to open three applications at a time. For most of us this would hinder our ability to use the netbook to its full potential.

However, PC makers like Acer are already expressing doubts about whether Windows 7 Starter will necessarily be popular. It officially only allows running 3 apps at once, and while it often allows multiple sessions of the same app (such as for Internet Explorer), Acer’s product marketing VP Sumit Agnihotry tells the Journal that it may be a ‘tough sell’ when the app limit is a downgrade from XP. Linux also doesn’t face the same restriction.

If this limitation does happen would you want a netbook with Windows 7? Or would you opt for one with Linux installed?

Comments welcome.

Source.

15 Comments

Agnostic Dumbo

April 21st, 2009
at 6:32am

Will anti-virus be counter as one of the applications? If so that would mean that if you have your anti virus running you could only run 2 applications.
There are dumb ideas but it will take a huge effort to beat this one.

Chris Pirillo

April 21st, 2009
at 8:46am

That’s a spam link there, Ron.

Ron Schenone

April 21st, 2009
at 11:03am

Thanks Chris.

Jeff

April 21st, 2009
at 11:21am

Capping 3 apps at a time is just a fancy way of eliminating control of the computer. This will curb a lot of the spamware that comes with new PC’s, but it wont be an upgrade for any of us at 3 programs. I see linux/xp keeping netbooks unless windows removes this restriction.

Endorr

April 21st, 2009
at 11:33am

Thats a stupid idea who would actually pay money for an OS that only allows 3 programs. may as well not buy it and run in reduced functionality mode on vista.
Bad idea Microsoft.

Thanks for the insight Chris, a mac is really seaming to be a viable alternative, seams I can run WoW on a mac.

lordyjordy

April 21st, 2009
at 11:34am

why does microsoft have to put Windows 7 starter edition (basic in other words) on netbooks? they are coming with bigger HD and faster processors now! why dosent microsoft learn that the world only needs 1 version of an OS not 7. I’m lost I could understand XP Home and Pro one for home and one for well not home! ^^ But why have a poor OS on a PC that could easily run XP. It dosent make sense for the PC market or for Microsoft point of view.
If anyone could explain to me what they’re playing at please send me an e-mail. Unfortuately as much as I don’t like Linux, it does make more sense. I thought with the disaster of Vista Microsoft would have learnt from their mistakes and done like apple for Win. 7 (Just one version)
It’s a shame because 7 is a lovely OS. I’d hate to see Microsoft lose their market share jsut over stupid versions of the same OS.

Ron Schenone

April 21st, 2009
at 12:05pm

Thanks for the comments everyone.

samtheHPgeek

April 21st, 2009
at 12:09pm

I am personally looking forward to Windows 7. It will be a step up from anything Microsoft has ever unveiled. However, multiple versions is stupid. I would install XP even if it wasn’t supported anymore, and quite possibly go as far as to install 2000 if that was the only way to open 3+ windows. And honestly, I might try Linux before that. The only reason I’m hesitant of Linux is because of the stunning lack of programs available for the system. Just my opinion

Ron Knights

April 21st, 2009
at 1:06pm

Again, I have a one-word response to netbooks:

Yawn.

Ron Schenone

April 21st, 2009
at 1:55pm

Thanks for the added comments.

Ron - LOL