WINDOW'S 7 GETS VISTA TREATMENT...SORT OF

We were hearing, through the grape vine, that Window's 7 might get all those different flavors that we're currently stuck with in Vista. Well Microsoft has confirmed it and to add to the confusion the have added a few new features that you might not have expected.

For instance Microsoft now has a "Starter" version that is especially geared to developing countries who do not have enough money to play with the big boys. This version will be available to all OEM's worldwide on new PC's and will be missing the Aero UI tweaks. Also users will be limited to only three simultaneous apps.

Window's 7 Basic is equivalent to the Vista version and will retail for $200. Other versions make their mark as well as the Ultimate which promises to be (as the name suggests) the Grand Daddy of the pack and will have limited availability as well as OEM options. I guess Microsoft is pretty serious about which systems get to proudly display the "Ultimate" badge. The full breakdown of all the versions can be viewed below.

Windows 7 Starter

Available worldwide to OEMs on new PCs
Missing Aero UI tweaks
Limited to 3 simultaneous applications

Windows 7 Home Basic (Vista equivalent: $200)

Only available in emerging markets
Missing Aero UI tweaks

Windows 7 Home Premium (Vista equivalent: $260)

Available worldwide, to OEMs and in retail
Includes Aero UI tweaks
Features multi-touch capabilities
Adds "premium" games
Adds media capabilities (Media Center, DVD playback, DVD creation, etc.)
Can create home network groups

Windows 7 Professional (Vista equivalent: $300)

Available worldwide, to OEMs and in retail
Includes all features of Premium
Adds enhanced networking capabilities (Remote Desktop host, domain support, offline folders, etc.)
Adds Mobility Center
Adds Presentation Mode

Windows 7 Enterprise

Available only in volume licenses
Includes all features of Professional
Adds Branch Cache
Adds Direct Access
Adds BitLocker

Windows 7 Ultimate (Vista equivalent: $320)

Limited OEM and retail availability
Includes all features of Enterprise
Current Vista breakdown can be found here.