>Windows 8 general availability is October 26. If you've got an MSDN subscription you can probably download the RTM version now, but you'd have to install it yourself. If you want Win8 pre-installed on a laptop by its OEM you'll have to wait.
Ok, this is good. So, if I want to proceed now, I can have the laptop installed with Windows 7. The upgrade to Windows 8 should be much easier than XP Pro to Windows 7 which required a brand new install.
Thanks