Microsoft is planning to offer customized versions of Windows 7 to users in Europe that lack Internet Explorer, according a report from CNET. There will be at least two versions of Windows 7 without the said browser, one version being Windows 7 “E”, which will be distributed in all members of the European Economic Area as well as Croatia and Switzerland. Another version is supposedly called Windows 7 “N”, which will also lack Microsoft’s Windows Media Player. Since a Web browser is a very important part of any operating system, Microsoft is trying to arrange different ways of giving users access to a Web browser. It is possible that Internet Explorer will be offered in a separate install disk. In an update on Microsoft’s blog, it was also mentioned that there could be a “‘ballot screen’ that would prompt users to choose from a specific set of Web browsers.” In any case, this is good for the user, because ultimately the more choice he has, the better.

Via CNET

This has been in the pipeline for months, and based on the original press release it’s actually a bit delayed, but Archos has finally unveiled the Archos 10s “MiniPC” alongside the just announced Archos 9 UMPC Tablet. The Archos 10s netbook is an updated version of the Archos 10 netbook, sporting a slightly slimmer and lighter case than its predecessor, constructed from Aluminium and magnesium. The Archos 10s features a 10.2-inch (1024 x 600 resolution) screen, 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard disk and Windows XP Home. Of course, there’s built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 1.3MP webcam, choices between 3-cell or 6-cell batteries and the usual number of free netbook ports and jacks. It will be available later this month but the price still hasn’t been specified.

Via Archos

The Tablet UMPC is going to be relevant again, with the announcement of the Archos9, the first 9-inch Tablet UMPC running Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS. This sexy little machine is billed by Archos as a MiniPC that does away with keyboards in exchange for a virtual on-screen keyboard and stylus support on a resistive touchscreen display. As it comes pre-loaded with Windows 7, multi-touch is going to be one of its top features, though we’re not exactly sure if that’s such as good idea with the screen being resistive and all. It still looks like a pretty interesting offer, though, as the Archos9 is equipped with Intel’s new Atom Z515 processor, 80GB hard drive, built-in Bluetooth and two DVBT TV tuners with “diversity reception,” as Archos puts it in its press release. Besides on-screen controls, it also has several hard buttons on its sides for easier access and controls. Archos hasn’t announced a price or release date, but from the looks of it, we’re betting a lot of people are going to save up for one. Watch out for additional details here.

Via UMPC Portal

According to Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation, “the Linux netbook market is not realizing its full potential” because the manufacturers are “employing an outdated business model.” Overall, he noted, the only thing the sorry state of Linux on netbooks is doing is giving Microsoft a chance to gain even more market share in a new category besides laptops and desktops, while the open source alternatives are being overshadowed as usual.

Zemlin mentions that with open-source code such as that in Linux, manufacturers are free to customize what can and can’t do in specific markets, and that they can “bundle a mix of services and web APIs, or have fulfillment mechanisms and set up a business relationship between operating systems makers, device makers and carriers” to make the most out of the open-source opportunity. Zemlin will continue to promote this idea at the Open Source in Mobile (OSiM) conference in San Francisco this week, where if it gains more traction, we just might see a change in the Linux netbook market soon.

Via The Register

While the process of installing Windows 7 on the Acer Aspire One seemed relatively easy, I’m sure at least some of you are still holding on to the original Linux OS that’s been bundled with the netbook. If that applies to you, then you might at least try to customize the interface a bit, to make it more reminiscent of the Windows UI, instead of what Acer made it look like out of the box. It requires quite a bit of hackers, but it should be worth the time and effort spent on it especially if you’re looking to make using your Acer Aspire One easier. The full guide to customizing the Acer Aspire One’s Linux interface is available via the link below.

Via Techradar

A while ago, it was reported that Acer is planning to launch an 11.6-inch netbook sometime later this year. Well, we might have some photos for you. Leaked earlier today with no accompanying specs sheet are these: official-looking photos of what could possibly be a new version of the Acer Aspire One. It sports a thinner chassis, and looks like it will come with Windows because of the presence of Windows key where there should be a Home key on Linux models. At the moment, we can’t get any confirmation or further information about this netbook, but we’ll be looking for more. In the meantime, see all the pics below.

Via macles

We’ve already shown you a few tidbits about Asus’s forthcoming Eee PC T91 covertible tablet. And as we’re nearing this touchscreen netbook’s official release date (which unfortunately is still pretty much unknown), expect to learn even more and read more about it online. Bit-tech recently published a multi-page preview of the Asus Eee PC T91, in which they tried a near market-ready version of the netbook, dropping criticism and praise at different points in their article. The basic gist of it: the Eee PC T91 is a great next-gen Eee PC, but doesn’t quite surpass Asus’s other high-end netbooks in terms of performance and usability. Read on at bit-tech to get the full Eee PC T91 preview.

Via bit-tech
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I’ve been playing with the Windows 7 beta release for a number of weeks now after installing it on the Acer Aspire One, and here are my views/thoughts on the experience. Not only will I be giving my initial impressions on the new software, I’m going to tell you how well or bad the Acer Aspire One performed with the new version of the Windows OS.

Before anything, I think it should be noted that I used the “bootable USB flash drive” method to install Windows 7 on my Acer Aspire One. Now, I’m not sure if that really does anything to goof up the software or any part of it when you’re installing, but I won’t deny that there were some hiccups before/during/after installation that I’m sure at least a few other people out there who used other methods to install Windows 7 (via external USB DVD drive, etc. if there are others) did not experience. In any case, the bottom line still is that I got Windows 7 on my AAO, and I’m here to share the details of what happened with you.
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Looking to update your little Samsung Q1UP? Instead of punishing yourself with Windows Vista, why don’t you give the beta version of Windows 7 a try. Kevin of JKontherun has shown us that it’s possible to install Windows 7 on the Q1UP, and it doesn’t even require anything more than the install files and a little bit of effort. It appears as though the Samsung MID works great with Windows 7, and all of the drivers work, though it could probably use at least 1GB of RAM for better performance. If you find this interesting and you have a Q1UP of your own, try this out for yourself to see the results.

JKontherun via Samsung Central

No matter how many colors of the Samsung NC10 you buy, you won’t be able to get one and with Windows XP installed and upgrade it to Windows Vista Enterprise. Well, actually, you can install Vista Enterprise on it, but you will fail at activating it via KMS. There are two known causes for why this is happening, and both are documented on Microsoft’s pages. If you plan on doing the same thing with a future Samsung NC10, better check out a thread about it on Edugeek which we’ve linked to below to see the discussion.

Via Edugeek