Microsoft says Windows 7 will run on Netbooks

All the little eeePC’s in the world are rejoicing knowing that they will be able to run Windows 7, as long as it is released on the form of a USB drive or another downloadable format. The new and “improved” version of Windows will be offered in a “stripped down” version that is said to be compatible with all current netbook configurations.

One reason is because Windows 7 delivers a far smaller footprint than Windows Vista along with improvements in power management that enhance battery life, Microsoft executives said. Moreover, the software giant intends to continue to fine-tune its new OS for optimum performance on all classes of PCs as the new OS moves through the engineering cycle.

Microsoft recognizes that it cannot afford to ignore the netbook niche, which is the only global PC market segment recording significant growth. According to iSuppli, global shipments rose by a staggering 2,424 percent in 2008 and are poised to grow an additional 68.5 percent this year.

“We think most small-notebook PC buyers are either purchasing a secondary machine or buying a PC for the first time,” said Microsoft Vice President Brad Brooks. “And we think purchasers are drawn to these PCs by their small size and affordability, particularly given the current environment.”

While this opens up a new market for the newest Windows OS, it still leaves a few questioning Microsoft’s ability to come out with a unified new OS, after all Vista just came out a couple of years ago, and to mainly negative reviews. How will Windows 7 do when it is tested with the masses?

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