Windows 7E for Europe

We’re so special here in Europe that we get our own interpretation for Windows 7, and it’s called Windows 7E (E for Europe). But unfortunately it isn’t for the better, it’s for the worse, quite a lot worse.

You may have heard about the recent ramblings between the EU and Microsoft regarding a dispute about Microsoft including only Internet Explorer in its Operating Systems.

Well it turns out that unfortunately Microsoft lost, which meant that Microsoft could either put links to all major web browsers on the desktop (making it annoyingly cluttered from first start up) or they could simply withdraw IE from the OS, Microsoft thankfully chose the latter, saving us from clutter.

What’s this mean for Internet Explorer?
Well (un)fortunately Windows 7E will not come with Internet explorer installed, and probably means that there won’t be a link to download it either.

Upgrade
As well as the EU not having IE, what makes Windows 7E what it is, is that we won’t be receiving the opportunity to purchase upgrade packages, instead we have to pay full whack for the system.
Fortunately if you buy a Vista computer/laptop/netbook now (depending on where you get it from) you will be entitled to a free “Anytime Upgrade”, meaning when Windows 7 is released you will receive a free copy.

Price
Due to the lack of an upgrade option on the shelves consumers will have to pay up to twice as much as the rest of the world.
I’m sure this might lead to people staying with Vista or migrating to the other side of the law and go for the torrent route.

[Via Neowin.net]