Just recently, an Acer UK marketing director told
Pocket-Lint.com that the final genuine version of Windows 7 will be available
pre-loaded on the new all-in-one Acer Z5600 PC starting Friday, October 23,
2009.
If that isn’t enough information to stare at, Acer also
confirmed that any Vista-loaded models purchased within 30 days prior to
October 23rd will be eligible for Microsoft's free upgrade program.
Microsoft’s current Windows 7 schedule has maintained a
3-years-after-Vista timescale, and from this arises speculation that the new OS
might not be due until the end of January 2010. While this analysis is valid,
it seems unlikely because the Release to Manufacturer build is officially
scheduled for September. This would give OEM partners the benefit of the “back
to school” season if launched earlier in the month, and we expect most
manufacturers to follow Acer’s 30-day Vista upgrade policy for those eager
parents prepping their kids with summer hardware.
On the other hand, there is still no confirmed date or even month
for the retail versions of Windows 7. History tells us that Windows Vista RTM
was released in early November 2006 while the retail editions hit store shelves
in late January 2007. If this twelve week gap were to also happen with the new
OS, we are convinced that Microsoft could be planning the RTM release in early
September and the retail release in late November.
All in all, just remember to download Windows 7 Release Candidate starting next Tuesday.
Published in
News
Windows 7 will launch October 23rd, claims Acer
We say doubtful, late November for retail