Windows 7 SKUs Announced, Consumers Confused Because They Can't Count Total On One Hand

Posted by Daniel Shain

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Windows 7 SKUs have been officially announced by Microsoft. Lo and behold, they have learned from the lessons of Vista and released... what the heck, 6 SKUs? It's not as bad as it seems though.

We first heard there might be multiple versions of Windows 7 out there, such as a LE for netbooks, a couple weeks ago. At that time we shrugged, rolled our eyes, and said "it'll still be an improvement over Vista as long as they keep the number of versions below 4". Well, there are 6 versions expected to be released now. Epic fail Microsoft. Epic. Fail.

The versions are as follows:
  • Windows 7 Starter (limited to three apps concurrently)
  • Windows 7 Home Basic (for emerging markets)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium (adds Aero, Touch, Media Center)
  • Windows 7 Professional (Remote Desktop host, Mobility Center, Presentation mode)
  • Windows 7 Enterprise (volume license only, boot from virtual drive, BitLocker)
  • Windows 7 Ultimate (limited availability, includes everything)

  • The reason why this is not as bad as it looks is that most people shopping for computers in retail aren't going to see any of these besides Home Premium and Professional, which is more like things were for XP when it came out. And since we all know XP has managed to become the ultimate benchmark for something from Microsoft working well, that's good news.

    Update: follow the jump now for even more details about the breakdown

    Via engadget

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    Comments

    • By: johnny May 05, 2009 4:31 AM

      In the end for the consumers this won't really matter. A fraction of people actually upgrade their OS (let's face it: for some most people as long as it works, don't touch it), and most just get a new computer in a couple years time. Windows based consumer computers sold in brick and mortar stores come pre-installed with windows; currently it's Vista Home Premium. Next year it will be Windows 7 Home Premium. Really, there's no confusion as Home Premium is THE version you buy for your home PC, and it will be the version installed on pretty much all the consumer laptops/desktops. I really don't see what the fuss is all about. This is just business as usual, and it's been working thus far. I just enjoy my hobbies like convert mp3 to zune or psp using software from http://www.copy-dvd.org

      The people who buy separate OS licenses are system builders and fairly tech-savvy people.

      For home use it's going to be Home Premium if you have sense, and Ultimate if you have cash to burn.

    • By: JohnJohn Feb 04, 2009 5:03 PM

      Cant wait!

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