Microsoft agrees with Intel to limit Windows 7 for netbooks

A report in DigiTimes indicate that Microsoft and Intel have made an agreement to only certify netbooks with 10.2-inches or smaller displays for the lowest-end version of the Windows 7 operating system. This is a shift from the previous maximum display size that was pegged at 12-inches. What this means is that netbook makers will have to purchase a more expensive version of the Windows 7 operating system--something the majority of them will be loath to do. As such, this move translates into a stifling of consumer choice.

DigiTimes noted, "The restriction is expected to end PC vendors' 11.6-inch Atom Zxx-based netbook product lines after the launch of Windows 7." For sure, this move will hurt rival chipmaker VIA, for which computer makers such as Samsung have created low-end laptops with larger than 10.2-inch displays.

To read more about this story:
- check out this article from ChannelWeb

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