>>>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.
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>>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.
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>My understanding is MS has put a lot of effort into making upgrading less painful. But, if you have a complex environment set up on a laptop - who knows how well it will work? I prefer fresh OS installations.

I too generally prefer a fresh install. In-place upgrades usually means you're stuck with a lot of "excess baggage" left over from previous install. This could lead to future instability, or simply a slower-than-necessary system. Have seen on more than one occasion where complete re-install from scratch not only rid the system of any odd "quirks" but resulted in noticible speed improvement.