Microsoft, Intel to Limit Netbook Licenses to Sub-10.2 inch Models
Posted 05/26/09 at 09:07:10 AM by Paul Lilly
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As netbooks continue to grow in size, you might be left wondering where netbooks end and traditional notebooks begin. The answer is 10.2 inches, assuming news and rumor site DigiTimes has been fed accurate information. Citing un-named sources at Taiwan-based ODM notebook makers, DigiTimes says Microsoft and Intel agreed to decrease the screen-size ceiling for netbooks running Windows 7 from 12.1 inches to 10.2 inches.
Should the restriction be put in place, it would spell the end for 11.6-inch Atom Zxx-based netbooks once Windows 7 launches, the sources said. It could also hamper VIA, who doesn't put any restrictions on how vendors use its CPUs and chipsets. VIA-based netbooks larger than 10.2 inches wouldn't qualify for the lower Windows 7 licensing rates, thereby potentially taking away any advantage VIA might have had in the 11-inch and above market.
A NetBook, defined
Submitted by tkid124 on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 5:28am
Net: short hand for network, aka the internet.
Book: short for notebook, aka a laptop.
NetBook: a laptop designed to access the internet.
That was the original point of these cute little devices
Now Microsoft has said, if you want to use our software and pay a lower fee for a lower powered device, you will not use it on a screen bigger than 10.2 inches, their the owners of their software code, they have a right to set limits if they choose too.
God bless the world!!!
Submitted by Bless on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 6:29pm
God bless the world!!! finally someone who had the courage to set the boundary between them. Applaud for Intel n MCSF!! Dont get discourage people... Imagine what would happen if a netbook has all the feature n technology that a laptop has? It will destroy the term netbook itself and will become nothing but a notebook. luv u Bill Gates :)
Here we go with Intel and MS
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 1:16pm
Here we go with Intel and MS Giving the finger to future innovation. That's how I see it. Why put a limit on the screen size? Netbooks are still new and there is plenty of innovation that has yet to be seen.
I see what Microsoft's
Submitted by linux_dork on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 8:48am
I see what Microsoft's intentions here are, and it's a tricky situation - if they're making a specific version of Win7 for netbooks, but it will run on any computer - how do you define netbook? There's really no set definition currently, especially with higher-end netbooks - it's kind of in the eye of the beholder.
Anyway, what's going to end up happening is a resurgence in using Linux on netbooks to stay competitive with pricing and features. Not that I'm biased to one OS over the other (what's my username again? heh heh).
Submitted by N25PHILLY on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 8:28am
The point of netbooks is that they are supposed to be small and portable. Once they get to normal laptop size You start really paying way too much for too little, and they will struggle too much to do things they will either come with really crappy resolutions, or run even worse than they do now, making for bad user experience. This just sounds like quality control to me
Submitted by MeTo on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 8:24am
Can you say Linux please. This is all you need for a net book. IMHO
Linux Mint,Duel boot/Vista,AMD Athlon+ x2 5600,3 Gig ram,500 Gig HDD,ATI 1300 Video.
Submitted by MvanA on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 7:34am
Sounds to me like we can all expect another Anti-Competitive Practices lawsuit in the near future.
Submitted by comptech08 on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 7:22am
this is the stupidest idea ever. It seems like these big companies all have the same business model--Piss the consumer off as much as possible. What gives microsoft the right to give a restriction on what type of computer can run their software?
I do agree with you comptech
Submitted by captAwesome on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 8:06am
I do agree with you comptech I think it's a stupid idea. Just seems like Intel and Microsoft trying to screw VIA.
But I don't agree with you I do believe they have the right it is their intellectual property. Just look at apple and their software OS X. They restrict the right for people to use their software only on apple manufactured computers and sue the crap of of people who try otherwise, i.e. Psystar.
Submitted by comptech08 on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 8:18am
you dont need another company to get OSX, you can install it urself.
Submitted by SEALBoy on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 9:01am
Not legally. Apple only allows OSX to run on Mac computers, which is why Psystar is in a bit of trouble.
Microsoft DOES have the right to restrict use of their software. They own it, they made it, and they can tell companies how they're gonna use it.
Submitted by comptech08 on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 9:41am
no when I buy it or another company buys it from microsoft it is no longer theirs. I do not think they should have any right on telling you how to use something after you have already purchased it from them.
Submitted by kevaskous on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 11:45am
I never reply to these things but i -HAD- to correct you. When you buy Windows, you don't own a damn thing. What you own is the physical disk, and the key. In other words you own the right to use it as intended by the license you own. you own NO part of the operating system or any part of the code hence forth.
You are definitely one of those people who never reads terms and agreements..haha.
Submitted by comptech08 on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 1:03pm
no, when i pay around 300 bucks for it I OWN IT, and dont care what the EULA says. Its mine and I can do whatever I please with it.
Submitted by captAwesome on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 10:45am
Well that's what people are trying to decide in this day and age and the whole DRM thing.
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