Microsoft: All versions of Windows 7 can run on netbooks

According to foreign media reports, Mike · Mike Ybarra, general manager of Microsoft's Windows division, said that all versions of Microsoft's next-generation operating system, Windows 7, can run in the "Netbooks" hardware environment. According to industry sources, Abbala’s remarks are intended to dispel the concerns of netbooks that only run low versions of Windows7.

Windows Starter Edition

According to Microsoft’s Windows 7 release plan announced in February this year, the operating system will be divided into six versions, namely Starter and Home Basic (HomeBasic). ), Home Premium (Professional), Enterprise (Enterprise) and Ultimate (Ultimate). Unlike other versions of Windows 7, the Starter Edition has a number of functional limitations, such as running up to three applications at the same time, not mentioning local network connectivity and limiting the maximum resolution of the display.

Previously, many people in the industry believe that for netbooks with low hardware configuration, Microsoft will only provide Windows 7 Starter Edition, in order to encourage users to purchase pre-installed more advanced versions of Windows 7 for vanity or actual work needs. Regular PCs and laptops won't buy netbooks that are only pre-loaded into Windows 7 for Windows.

In response to this claim, Abra has denied it: “We hope that consumers will experience most of the advanced features of Windows 7 in small notebooks or netbooks. ”

Smaller size

Microsoft executives have previously said that compared to the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, Windows 7 software has been reduced in size, while strengthening power management, thereby enabling All versions of Windows 7 can run on a PC with a lower configuration.

Industry insiders believe that Abbala and other Microsoft executives have said that Microsoft has indeed realized the huge growth potential of the netbook market. US market research firm iSuppli previously said that global netbook shipments in 2008 will grow at an annual rate of 2,424%, and the growth rate will reach 68.5% in 2009.

Microsoft Vice President Brad · Brad Brooks said: "The netbook user base can be roughly divided into two categories, one is to use it as a second notebook; the second is the user who bought the notebook for the first time. In the current global economic downturn, consumers have two motivations to buy netbooks: First, they feel that the netbook is small and easy to carry; second, it feels that its price is relatively low. "Microsoft has said that it will allow major PC vendors to sell pre-installed Windows 7 entry-level netbooks in developed countries in Europe and America, but it is recommended that consumers must consider it before buying; if consumers just want to improve their notebooks For portability, they are advised to purchase a netbook pre-installed with a higher version of Windows 7. Brooks said: "Before consumers buy netbooks, they must figure out what they want to do with a netbook. ”

Slowdown in growth

iSuppli analyst Matthew Wilkins believes that for most consumers, the reason they buy netbooks is not I think that the product is so good, but considering it comprehensively, the netbook is more cost-effective. “Because the price factor is the main driving force for the growth of netbook sales, the global market economy will slow down after the recovery in the future. & rdquo;

Wiggins predicts that global netbook shipment growth will fall to 39.6% in 2010 and will fall to 13.1% in 2013. He believes that in order to maintain netbook sales, PC manufacturers are likely to add more features and improve hardware configuration for netbooks. However, this may not be recognized by consumers because the overall performance of the netbook is low.

Wiggins said: "If PC manufacturers continue to add new features to the netbook in the future, then such products are no different from ordinary notebooks. As a result, consumers are naturally willing to buy a full-featured regular notebook. ”