Microsoft has said that new netbooks will have to eschew the delights of the ageing Windows XP OS later this year, as it looks to push Windows 7 further on the small-time lappies.

Steve Ballmer and co have set a 22 October deadline for PC makers, saying that as of that date they’ll need to use Windows 7 Starter edition instead. The deadline falls a year to the day since Windows 7 was officially released.

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Related links:
- Microsoft Windows 7 OS review
- Group Test: Windows 7 laptops
- Windows 7 touch pack released to the public
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The move is not a surprise, with reports Stateside claiming 81 per cent of new netbooks come packing Windows 7. If anything, it could mean a few decent bargains being up for grabs in the run up to the deadline, as long as you’re happy rocking XP instead of Windows 7.

Windows 7 is likely to face stiff competition in the netbook space this winter as Google primes Chrome OS and Nokia and Intel ready their MeeGo OS for release.

Via Slashgear