Custom PC Makers May Sell Windows 7 Early

Sometimes it's tough being the little guy and going up against monolithic corporations like Dell and HP, but every once in a while, there can be a competitive advantage. Windows 7 is set to launch at retail on October 22, but small custom PC makers will be allowed to sell systems with the new OS before the official date.

Puget Systems has been receiving attention around the web for its announcement that it will be selling systems preloaded with Windows 7 on October 13.

"Customers who place orders for a full personal computer system, and who select Microsoft Windows 7 as their OS of choice, will be immediately placed in queue for shipment which will begin in earnest on October 13, 2009," read the notice on Puget System's website. "Orders will be placed in queue on first-come basis and Puget Systems standard shipping policies apply. Place your order early to ensure an early spot in our queue! Shipping dates are not guaranteed."

According to Ars Technica, Jon Bach, president of Puget Systems, after asking Microsoft for Windows 7 launch details, was told that system builders who buy the operating system through distribution channels may sell the new OS as soon as they receive their license keys. This rule, however, does not apply to OEMS and retailers.

So, if you're looking to pick up a new desktop ASAP with Windows 7, it's time to look at the little guys.

Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
  • gamerjames
    I build my own PC's. I also wouldn't want the first releasing of Windows 7 either, I'd wait for it to be tested and such by the masses, then get it afterwards.
    Reply
  • Weren't Puget those Intel fanboys that did that ridiculous interview a while back? Supposedly you can order an AMD system from them if you keep clicking "More Options" under "CPU", LOL... Then they complain that AMD systems don't sell.
    Reply
  • eklipz330
    gamerjamesI build my own PC's. I also wouldn't want the first releasing of Windows 7 either, I'd wait for it to be tested and such by the masses, then get it afterwards.you realize people have been testing it year round right?

    why do you think it's getting so much hype?
    Reply
  • ubernoobie
    cool the launch of window 7 offical is at my moms bday :D
    Reply
  • jerther
    ubernoobiecool the launch of window 7 offical is at my moms bdayHope you get her a shiny 7 retail box that she will enjoy as much as you would
    Reply
  • bydesign
    It's vista sp2, how much more testing do you guys need?
    Reply
  • conlar58
    Well isn't this just great . I thought the people who preordered and prepayed were supposed to be the first ones to receive copies. Microsoft has had my money for several months earning interest on and now they are going to allow Custom Pc Makers to jump to the head of the line, this is typical behavior from Microsoft !
    Reply
  • Boxa786
    as a windows certificate course student, i get win 7 on sept 30/oct 1st for a discount price of £30, which I think is above the student price in the US, but hey, Win 7 on 1st Oct ftw :D
    Reply
  • eklipz330
    Boxa786as a windows certificate course student, i get win 7 on sept 30/oct 1st for a discount price of £30, which I think is above the student price in the US, but hey, Win 7 on 1st Oct ftwuntil oct 22nd. than BAM
    fml
    Reply
  • ssalim
    I don't understand, you can't wait a week? What are you in a hurry for...
    Reply