In a previous post, I stated that the limitations of Windows 7 Starter Edition made it a non-starter for me on my next netbook. So what did I do next? Go out and buy a netbook with Windows 7 Starter Edition! Although the option for an "anytime upgrade" to Windows 7 Home Premium looms large on my start up menu, I'm resisting the urge to send Microsoft another $80 just yet. So, a week after buying my HP Mini 110, what do I think of Windows 7 Starter Edition?
First, let's start with an issue that was never an issue. Contrary to what many believe (and what Microsoft said during beta apparently) Starter Edition is not limited to running only 3 applications at a time. It will run as many as your memory and processor will allow. With an Atom processor, that's not a ton but it's more than 3. I think we're getting confused with the Holy Hand Grenade from Monty Python. Wait, I digress.
Second, Windows 7 Starter edition does not have multiple monitor support. I thought this meant no external monitors. That's not the case. What it does mean is no extended desktop. It probably will keep me from using the Mini is presenter mode when I use Powerpoint to make speeches. It doesn't keep me from plugging the Mini into the 24" LCD that I have in the home office. I can mirror displays (1024x600) or I can drive solely the external LCD. VLC also comes in handy if you download youtube videos to your computer for offline watching. I use Keepvid.com to download Youtube videos.
Third, Windows 7 Starter Edition doesn't include Windows Media Center and doesn't support DVD playback. What does this mean? Do I have to upgrade before I can watch a DVD using an external DVD player plugged into my Mini? Thankfully, you can plug in an external DVD drive and watch commercial DVDs just fine. However, you need to install third party software to view the DVD. I installed VLC Media Player and it works just great. Plus, VLC is a free download. Starter Edition does include Windows Media Player so I can still use the standard software to listen to music and view other video sources.
Fourth, Windows 7 Starter Edition doesn't include Aero glass features or permit any customization of the desktop. The pretty eye candy makes Windows 7 look stunning but it uses up precious processing power that I'd prefer to devote to other causes. Being unable to change the desktop photo is a totally lame limitation that is going to make some netbook buyers frustrated because they think they can't figure out how to do it and then angry when they realize it was a deliberate design limitation by Microsoft. I refuse to let this get to me. I am embracing the stupid blue desktop as long as it takes. Only some other limitation will get me to spend that money. I'm waiting you out Microsoft! Hopefully, enough people will complain about the desktop photo thing and Microsoft will cave.
In conclusion, Starter Edition is not as limited as my earlier post suggested since there are work-arounds to many of the limitations. I do recommend putting 2GB RAM in your netbook. Oh, and I absolutely love my HP Mini 110. I hope this helps clarify confusion that potential netbook buyers might have. My suggestion is try Starter Edition first and then decide whether you need the features of a more expensive version of Windows 7. An upgrade is just a mouse click and $80 away.
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9 comments:
you can download Stardock Colors to change the desktop image.
Interesting article. So it seems that with Starter we're back to the "old" windows 95 or 3.1 days when an operating system was an operating system and you bought all your other software separately (except nowadays you can download the freebie versions).
I've recently ordered a netbook with Starter pre-installed and my first act was going to be an upgrade but I think I'll hold off after reading this.
Thanks
Thanks this was very helpful. I am also gonna hold out on the $80 upgrade. The external dvd player was $70 and my Eeepc was $325 so spending any more money is not an option at this point. Thanks again, Sharon
Uhh yeah im gonna be bying the dell mini very soon and this article is very interesting in deed i just have a question and that it since u have windows media player and can listen to music what program should i get to download the music. Any help would be very much appreciated. thanks.
great article man. i just got an hp mini and with windows 7 starter. it was pretty unclear what i could and couldnt do but you've settle things out.
The problem is that some software need WMP to work (for exemple Radio Gadget)and you can't use them with Starter !
Best regards
I appreciate this information! I was getting ready to return my new netbook because it wouldn't play a DVD (with external player).
Hey I am not a computer whiz, but I would just like to ask, I always use powerpoint presentations on my reports in class. I was wondering if I can connect my netbook with windows 7 starter OS on an LCD projector so I could show my slides? thank you.
Hey Anonymous: You can use Windows 7 starter edition with your LCD projector to show Powerpoint slides. The only downside is that starter edition only allows you to mirror your displays. That means you can't show slides on the projector screen and speaker notes and presenter mode on the netbook. You'll have the same display on your screen and on the netbook. Hope that helps!
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