In documents obtained by IDG News Service, Microsoft has outlined a program that would allow PC makers to install Windows XP Home Edition on their ultraportable/low cost machines (netbooks, subnotebooks, etc.) for very steep discounts, with a few conditions:
– Screen sizes must be 10.2-inches and under
– Hard drives must be 80GB or under
– No touch-screens.
They are hoping this will keep these devices from impacting the market for more mainstream PCs that are running Microsoft Windows Vista, as well as keep them from turning to Linux to help keep software costs down.
It’s an interesting strategy that helps both Microsoft and the manufacturers, as many people have made it clear they do want what is basically a small notebook with a similarity to their larger machines running other versions of Windows.
Read:
– PC World
– Computerworld UK