Acer Review, Asus Review – Netbook 10

Chances are you currently fall under the 70% of netbook owners who run Windows XP. You’ve probably heard about how Vista is simply too bulky for these slim machines and has been known to lag while trying to access the Start menu. You find yourself asking, why Windows 7?

Background on Microsoft & Netbooks

Microsoft is desperate to get rid of Windows XP. The product is 8 years old, is cheaper than Vista and Microsoft doesn’t as much selling netbook makers licenses to XP. They’ve already tried to limit sales of XP, restricting netbook makers from selling XP operated machines with more than 1 GB of RAM in the hope that people will opt for Vista operated netbooks with higher RAM. Now, Microsoft is trying to push Windows 7 in order to start charging a higher licensing space.

But they’re also creating a better netbook-friendly operating system in the process.

The Pros

• Faster system – Windows 7 leaves a lighter OS footprint on the netbooks memory/CPU, and is faster to bootup and shutdown. Windows 7 is a more streamlined OS – it runs less services on startup, starts processes on demand and unloads them when done. You can also customize the installation to get rid of space-hogging features you won’t use such as Tablet PC tools.

• Better Power Saving Options – Windows 7 reduces the power used by drivers and applications in idle mode, and leverages the power of the graphic chipset while performing tasks such as DVD playback. All this results in longer battery life.

• Better graphics – Unlike XP, Windows 7 is capable of running Intel’s Atom N280 processor with the GN40 graphic chipset (a step up from the G945), which results in enhanced graphics and improved HD video playback. This is because the GN40 chip needs DirectX10 and DXVA 2.0 to run and Windows 7 and Vista support these technologies.
• Netbooks may also have access to Windows 7’s sleek and powerful Aero graphics depending on what version of the OS is installed.

• Sensor Technology – Windows 7 will come built in with a sensor technology that supports light sensors (and automatically adjusts the screen light), GPS, accelerometers (gauges how you move the PC/netbook, like the iPhone does), and cameras.

• Better RAM – With Windows 7, netbook makers will no longer have to worry about the silly 1GB RAM restrictions and can aim for a new standard of 4GB.  (Current chipsets only support 2GB, but Windows 7 can sustain 4GB.) This will greatly affect the computing power of netbooks, and what they can be used for.

The Cons

• Consumes a lot of Storage Space – Windows 7 requires up to 8GB of disk space. This is a problem for netbooks with SSD memory in the under 16GB range. Windows 7 also consumes a hefty 500MB of RAM (50% of the standard 1GB RAM netbooks come with).
• Price Tag – There is a lot of speculation as to how much Microsoft will charge netbook makers for a Windows 7 license. Critics are afraid the OS will increase the netbook price by up to a $100 – a significant hike in prices when the average netbook is about $400.

At the end of the day, the price will probably be the biggest barrier to trial. However, the benefits are really promising, and the faster and enhanced features may very well be worth the extra $50-$100 – especially when netbooks take advantage of the higher RAM option.

The release version of Windows 7 is going to be released before holiday season 2009 (probably October or early November), and netbook makers will have access to XP until the end of 2010.

Source: Tom’s Guide

UPDATE: Windows 7 confirmed to release Oct. 22

Related posts:

1. Netbooks & Windows 7 Release Candidate
2. Your Guide to Netbook Graphic Processing Units (GPUs)
3. The Netbook market – Some research
4. Asus N10J-A1 Gaming Netbook Review

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