I have a new article up about a netbook-only version of Windows 7, called Windows 7 Starter Edition. This version of Windows 7 is causing some controversy among pundits and others. Some, like Mary Jo Foley, say it's a good option (as do I in my article) as long as you're aware of its limitations.
Others don't like it at all. But I'm interested in your opinion of Windows 7 Starter. Would the lack of features put you off, or would you rather go with a new operating system rather than one that's eight years old, like Windows XP? It's a good question, and I'm anxious to know about. Email me your thoughts if you've used Windows 7 Starter or are considering it, or comment below.
I cannot believe the poor judgement in the title of your article. No reference to the Starter edition, no reference to netbooks, just a flat statement, saying that Windows 7 is a non starter.
You leave the impression in your title that the whole thing is going up the stack.
You need to do a correction.
Richard, the title is a joke, playing on the word “Starter,” and the fact that some people don’t like it.
I googled Windows and “non-starter” expecting a lot of hits. For me, I am finding digital cameras and other software which lack drivers or support for windows 7 “starter”. Why do buyers tolerate this?
My beefs:
Stupid name “starter” -what does it mean to imply? Is there really an alternative other than Linux for a netbook?
Windows in general is becoming non-compatible. Often cameras have no drivers for 64-bit XP, or Vista 64 bit, but you can’t use over 3GB RAM with the lame Windows 32-bit version.
Software that worked with XP (Like Corel Draw 9.0 and a number of CAD programs) won’t work on Vista. To get XP compatibility with Windows 7 you have to buy the “Pro” version! It is my sincere hope that corporate IT departments will continue to slow movement to new operating systems because NOBODY wants to have to keep re-buying new versions of the same software just to keep doing what they have been doing. NOBODY likes playing the games of where did Microsoft move the menu item or how many places do I have to search in Windows to complete my network setup.