DVDs are so last century and downloads, well we don't all have great broadband, so how can Microsoft get Windows 7 to the netbooking masses? Could a cute little stick do the trick?
The advance in portable computers (or step back depending on how look at it) means that netbooks do not come with DVD drives and users prefer to run them with WiFi, hardly the best arrangement when you need to get hold of a 2.5GB file. So, rumour has it that Microsoft will be releasing some copies of its new OS on flash drive/memory stick to simplify the whole process and pretend that it cares about the whole netbook market, while begging everyone to upgrade from the Starter Edition to something a little more meaty (and profitable).
Okay, this approach to distribution isn't new to
Linux users but for the less-agile PC user, it represents a minor step forward, in fact with the Sony PSP Go going all-digital-download, it looks like time is running out for those flabby disc-containing boxes clogging the shelves, as happened with the floppy disk, cartridge and cassette tape in decades past.
As a pertinent aside, if this does come to pass, which lucky company gets the valuable contract for those, presumably 4GB drives? How much more will they cost than the disc-based version and will those netbook buyers who were likely buying with a budget in mind, fancy stretching their wallet a little further. All questions that remain to be answered. Our own simpler answer, PC users with external USB DVD-drives are about to become very popular with friends, neighbours, distant relatives and complete strangers with neat little backpacks. If you're so endowed, why not Tweet your availability and charge $5 a go come October?