Microsoft has confirmed that it will be providing a version of Windows 7 specifically developed for netbooks and sub-notebook computers, as well as at least one version for consumers, and one for enterprise users.
The confirmation came during a one-on-one briefing at Microsoft's London offices this week. The company didn't confirm whether the "netbook edition" of Windows 7 will be on general sale to consumers.
Microsoft also confirmed a bunch of new Windows 7 features, such as the extension of its disk-encrypting technology BitLocker to USB thumb drives. These drives can be encrypted within Windows 7, and accessed on other Windows 7 machines through My Computer by using a password.
An update for Windows Vista will be made available, allowing it to at least unencrypt and read drives secured with BitLocker on Windows 7, if not write to them itself. When asked, Microsoft couldn't confirm whether a similar update would be made available for XP.
In other news, it is now known the new OS will integrate natively with sensory hardware within desktops and laptops, such as GPS chips and light sensors. Microsoft said that a laptop with GPS connectivity would know where it was in the world without third-party software, and deliver location-specific information to applications that require it, such as weather updates to the weather gadget on the Windows desktop.
If they back-ported features, then you wouldn't be forced to upgrade.