November 10, 2009
Netbook buyers beware: Windows 7 Starter is missing features
Survey finds most netbook users are unaware that Windows 7 Starter lacks some features that were standard in any version of Windows XP
16 RecommendationsMicrosoft may have ditched the three application limit on the Windows 7 Starter Edition, but other restrictions on the netbook-only version of the operating system will be an unwelcome surprise for many netbook buyers, according to a survey published Monday.
Sixty-one percent of consumers do not know that Windows 7 Starter lacks some features standard in any version of Windows XP, such as support for multiple monitors, DVD playback -- even the ability to change the desktop image from the Microsoft logo, according to a survey by electronics shopping site, Retrevo.com.
[ Check out the InfoWorld Test Center benchmarks: Windows 7 unmasked. | Will your PC run Windows 7? Find out with InfoWorld's Windows 7 compatibility calculator. ]
Other higher-end features Windows 7 Starter lacks include the advanced Aero interface, multi-touch, Windows Media Center, and XP Mode virtualization.
Informed of these missing features, 56 percent of the 1,100 randomly surveyed respondents (95 percent likely to fall within plus or minus 6.5 percent of the overall population results, says Retrevo) said that they would not be satisfied with Windows 7 Starter.
The problem, according to Retrevo, is that 23 out of 28 netbooks available today on Amazon.com are installed with Windows 7 Starter.
Microsoft may be counting on upselling users to to an $80 upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium. That is done via the Anytime Upgrade program on Microsoft's e-commerce Web site.
But it could also create ill will toward Microsoft, said Andrew Eisner, director of content for Retrevo.
"I think most users will feel angry with having to pay the $80 for an upgrade to get those features," he said.
It could also boost demand for Linux netbooks, which are expected to grab nearly one-third of the booming worldwide market this year for netbooks.
Microsoft declined to comment specifically on Retrevo's survey. Rather, it pointed to a statement it made back in February when it announced the six versions of Windows 7.
"Small notebook PCs can run any version of Windows 7. For OEMs that build lower-cost small notebook PCs, Windows 7 Starter will now be available in developed markets," it said. "For the most enhanced, full-functioning Windows experience on small notebook PCs, however, consumers will want to go with Windows 7 Home Premium, which lets you get the most out of your digital media and easily connect with other PCs."
Computerworld is an InfoWorld affiliate.
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While it is worthwile noting the differences between the versions of Windows, and I do hope it is explained on any literature and by salepeople, the term "starter edition" implies something less capable than "premium." Also, while I could not imagine myself wasting money on a "netbook," I do know of people who will. These devices, as I understand them were designed to bascially surf the internet, be more portable than standard laptops (meaning smaller and lighter), while and providing for basic computing needs (word processing and light duty spreadsheet work). Since most consumers (and salespeople) don't read diclaimers, features lists,or listen, and don't really care about what something is designed to do, what they want is what they want and when tey don't get it they act surprised. The lack of media center, aero interface, multi touch, and XP mode will not be missed by consumers buying netbooks, and if they needed these features they shouldn't have been looking to buy a netbook to begin with. Once again a survey is only as good as the questions it asks. How can anyone, understanding the purpose of netbooks be surprised or even expect these features, after all these are "low" powered laptops with tiny (7") or small (10") screeens. The question that should have been aked in the survey is if netbook users care about having these features, and would they actually use or need them, and if so why are they even considering a netbook if they need these features (meaning do they know what a netbook was designed to do). With regards to DVD plyback, I don't believe most netbooks even have a DVD built in (again I don't like them so I am not very familiar with them all). Being able to change the desktop image should have been allowed, in my opinion, and support for multiple monitors would have been a nice to have, but given the purpose of the netbooks I don't really see this as a deal killer, though disappointmenting.