An image leak of updated Windows 7 beta version 7025 shows that Microsoft is planning to follow Vista’s approach of releasing various feature limited versions of the operating system. The leaked image shows OS options of Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.
Microsoft was criticized by media for putting artificial limits on the Vista OS, when they released seven different versions of the OS aimed at driving up the average price of the Windows OS. In Vista the Starter version had limit on maximum screen resolution as well as number of application that can run simultaneous on the OS. The Home Basic version came without Aero Glass and Windows Media Center. All the versions of Vista carried the entire feature set, but were artificially limited to sell the Ultimate version that was priced about $500.
We do understand that needs of business users and home users differ, but having three different home versions and two different business versions of the same OS is clearly an attempt at confusing the customers in to buying the higher-end version.
[Via Electronista]