Small PC makers to get headstart on Windows 7

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 25 Sep 2009 at 13:52

Small PC manufacturers will be allowed to sell Windows 7 PCs before the official 22 October launch date, according to reports.

OEMs based in the US have been told that they will start receiving copies of Windows 7 on 12 October, and that Microsoft won't stand in their way if they wish to install it on new PCs immediately.

"For us [system builders], we can buy the OEM editions of Windows 7, which should be hitting distributors no later than 12 October, and put them in the hands of our customers on 13 October at the latest," a Washington-based PC reseller told TechWorld. The reseller claims he has confirmation in writing from Microsoft that he's allowed to sell the systems before the official launch date.

If true, the announcement is unlikely to go down well with Microsoft's major PC partners, all of which are holding back the launch of new PCs and laptops to coincide with the 22 October launch date.

The completed "RTM" version of Windows 7 has been available to PC manufacturers and the press for some weeks.

You can read our Complete Guide to Windows 7 here