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Is Microsoft Looking for Netbook Testers for Mini Windows 7?

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Mary Jo Foley reports that Microsoft is looking for some beta testers to try Windows 7 on Netbooks and lowered powered PCs. Microsoft isn’t looking the US, but instead in Brazil, Jordan, Chile, India, Egypt, and Lebanon. Mary Jo reports that Microsoft, while not saying what the aims are, isn’t developing this as a Netbook specific SKU. But from the specs, they are looking at computers with what sounds like Netbook like specs, mostly.

  • 1 GHz processor
  • 1 GB of system memory
  • 16 GB of available disk space
  • Support for DX9 graphics
  • DVD-R/W Drive
  • Internet access

Somewhat curiously, testers will need a DVD drive, but I’m guessing that is to burn the .iso. Here’s the text of the email Mary Jo got her hands on.

““You are invited to join a beta trial for a specialized version of Windows 7. Your geographic location may make you a good candidate for this providing feedback on this specialized version of Windows 7. You will still have access to the Windows 7 Ultimate SKU, in addition you will be able to test this additional SKU.”

Given that the current beta of Windows 7 seems to run well on most Netbooks, I’m guessing that this is aimed at emerging markets. But that’s just a guess.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. GoodThings2Life

    01/23/2009 at 6:45 am

    I have never been a big fan of Baskin-Robins style of product flavoring… I like to just keep it simple the way XP was– Home and Professional.

    However, there would be something good to be said for being able to by a “Lite” version that is tailored for these “low-cost” environments, regardless of whether it’s an “emerging market” or a netbook or other low-end device.

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