The most basic version of Windows 7 , Windows Starter Edition, can only run three programs at once -- something many users will find unacceptable.

Analysts believe Microsoft's tactics will probably not work, though, and customers will just buy the crippled version and be mildly discontent or choose a competitor like a Linux netbook instead. Michael Cherry, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft in Kirkland, Washington, states, "I don’t know that there’s much room to charge more than what’s been charged currently. I’m pessimistic about this."