You have to almost do a double take now adays at how cool some of the new is surrounding Windows 7.  Especially if you are a Mac person.  Because, let’s face it, we are not used to Microsoft being very user-centric and cool.  BUT (very big but here) Microsoft, it is rumored, is planning to sell Windows 7 on a USB key aimed at installation on netbooks.  Windows7news.com reports:

According to a source which was not revealed by CNET, Microsoft could end up selling Windows 7 on a USB drive, whereas right now the only way that a user can obtain a retail copy (legally) of Windows 7 is via retail or by download. This would be a good move for Microsoft as they had announced that any edition of Windows 7 will be able to run on a netbook; however, the trick would be getting it installed.

According to CNET, not selling Windows 7 on USB drives would be detrimental to Windows 7’s success:

The challenge of getting Windows 7 on to older Netbooks threatens to cast a shadow over the technical work Microsoft did to get Windows 7 running on Netbooks. Its predecessor, Windows Vista, proved ill-suited to Netbooks forcing Microsoft to continue selling Windows XP as its answer to the low-cost notebook phenomenon.

Complicating matters further is the fact that most Netbooks are running Windows XP. Those moving from Windows XP can buy an upgrade version of the software, but must back up their data, do a clean installation of the operating system and then reload their applications.

So here we have Microsoft actually focusing on Netbooks just when you thought they didn’t care.  VERY slick move.  I have to say I am really liking the consumer focus Microsoft is maintaining these days.  What are your thoughts?  Leave a comment.