For Microsoft size does matter: Future of the 12″ netbooks
With the Dell Mini 9 facing the axe and rumors that the Mini 12 will be next because of the new Windows 7 restrictions, here’s an overview on what might happen to netbooks that don’t meet the Windows 7 size restrictions.
Microsoft Windows restrictions
In order to survive in both the notebook and the netbook market, Microsoft only sells lower priced software to netbooks that meet a list of, well, downgrades. The software giant wants to be part of the netbook market, but is unhappy about the low profit per license.
Currently, the screen size limit for Windows XP and Vista is12.1” (measured diagonally). Anything above that is a notebook and qualifies for a higher licensing fee. With Windows 7, the new screen limitation is 10.2”. So if any of you own a Dell Mini 12 or any other 12” netbooks, starting 2010, they’ll magically become notebooks. According to Microsoft.
What’s going to happen to the next generation of 12” netbooks?
- They’ll come pre-installed with Windows XP. Which is lame because Windows 7 is better, and with new tech developments everyday, you want to make sure you’re buying the latest software. Also, Microsoft has been planning to phase out XP forever and will probably stop selling XP by the end of 2010.
- They’ll come with Windows 7 and will cost $50-$100 more. Also lame because netbooks are supposed to be cheap and that’s raising the price by 20-25%. On the other hand, Windows 7 is probably worth it. You’re probably going to have to pay up and hate Microsoft for a long long time.
- They’ll come with Linux (which is free). This way people can choose whether to stick with Linux or buy the Starter 7 pack themselves and upgrade the netbook. I’m not sure how much this would cost, and if it would make more sense to just pay more upfront and buy it pre-installed.
- They’ll cease to exist. If you’re seeking a netbook you probably want something small. Personally, I’d pick between a 10” netbook or a 13” notebook. But there’s a lot of people want a large screen low priced netbook and they might be Linux users. It seems drastic that netbook makers would axe their 12” lines because of a $50-$100 jump, but hey, Dell seems to be doing just that.
Netbooks that will be affected
There are actually very few netbook models that are over 10.2”. I’ve found a couple; notice how half of them are scheduled to release this summer.
- Dell Inspiron Mini 12 – there are already rumors that the Mini 12 – internally called the Yao Ming Mini 12 — will be following the Mini 9 on its way out.
- Lenovo IdeaPad S12 – This 12.1” IdeaPad won’t be hitting homes until August. It’s also the first netbook to come with the NVIDIA Ion 9400M graphic chipset. I’m sure the designers and gamers who buy this will appreciate the size. Current specs say the S12 ships with Windows XP.
- Samsung NC20 – There’s been no word from Samsung about the 12.1″ NC20 and I’m pretty sure this netbook will stay available. It’s a beautiful netbook; read our review here.
- NEC Versa Pro Ultralite – While this netbook already looks slated to fall with its $1800 price tag – what’s an additional $50 or $100? But if NEC was looking to release a cheaper model for a mass audience, I’m sure the designers are kicking themselves for deciding on the novel 10.6” size. The Ultralite ships out starting July. (more)
There’s also word that Asus and Acer will be launching 11.6″ netbooks soon, and these will definitely be affected as well.
I’ll end with these four words: only time will tell.
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Filed under: Netbooks