Microsoft confirms Windows 7 Starter Edition changes

The rumors I wrote about last week involving the lifting of Windows 7 Starter Edition's three-application limit have turned out to be true: Microsoft confirms that it is lifting the three-app limit "based on the feedback we’ve received from partners and customers asking us to enable a richer small notebook PC experience."

However, Windows 7 Starter will retain a number of its restrictions -- a few I hadn't even known about -- which will make it unappealing to many users. Microsoft outlines them all in the blog post above, but the highlights include:

> No personalization options (changing background images/wallpapers or sounds)
> No Aero
> No DVD playback
> No Media Center features at all
> No domain support
> No XP virtualization mode
> No multi-monitor support

Those are hefty restrictions, but Microsoft has a solution for you if you want more.

The answer? Upgrade: Windows 7 Home Premium should run on many, if not most, netbooks out there, letting you put your cat's picture instead of the wavy blue default (or whatever image Microsoft ultimately makes the standard on Windows 7).

That of course begs the question what Windows 7 pricing will be like in its various flavors, and so far Microsoft has been playing that issue close to the vest. Windows 7 Starter users will surely qualify for an upgrade discount vs. buying a full retail copy, but how much?

If history is any guide, users should expect to pay an extra $70 to $170 for the right to jump up a step or two in the Win 7 hierarchy.

That said, some troubling signs are bubbling up that Windows 7 may be pricier than you and I would like it to be: One recent story suggests that Dell is already concerned that price is going to be an issue with consumers, and that Windows 7's average selling price is going to be higher than it was with either Windows Vista or XP. Ugh.