PC giant Dell will continue to offer Windows 7 pre-installed on its Precision, Optiplex, and Latitude brands of notebooks and business desktops, post-Windows 8 launch, the company said. Dell's gaming PC subsidiary Alienware, too, will offer Windows 7 as an option. Microsoft has been generally laxed about OEMs offering older versions of Windows pre-installed, after the launch of a newer one. PC makers were allowed to pre-install PCs with Windows Vista for two years after the launch of Windows 7, however, Windows XP was allowed to be loaded for nearly a decade after its launch.

"We're still moving our business customers from [Windows] XP to Windows 7," said Alison Gardner, director at Dell. "The OS migration for a large company is no small feat. We make it easier but it takes some planning and work," he continued. "For Alienware customers, they know what they want and we give them that choice," Gardner continued. Analysts expect Windows 7 to maintain its popularity post Windows 8 launch, at least with computing devices that lack touch interface.

Acer America today is bringing its Acer T2 Series touch displays to customers in the U.S. and Canada. Featuring a premium blend of aesthetics and performance, these slender and elegant monitors include the Acer T232HL with a 23-inch screen and the Acer T272HL with a 27-inch screen. Both displays are Windows 8 compliant, enabling consumers to take advantage of the features in Windows 8 with a 10-point multi-touch screen, whether using a new PC or an old PC upgraded to the new operating system.

The new displays tout edge-to-edge glass in an elegant design that will enhance any room in the home. Supported by an asymmetrical stand, the monitors have an aesthetically-pleasing look. The stand enables users to view images tilted back up to 80 degrees, which is practically flush with the desk for enhancing comfort and ergonomics to make the most of the capacitive-touch capabilities. This tilt feature is especially beneficial for touch-friendly activities like playing games, viewing photo albums and cookbooks as well as Web surfing. The monitors also come with VESA mounts for hanging them on a wall.

Acer America today announced that it's delivering two elegant all-in-one (AIO) desktop models featuring Windows 8 to customers in the U.S. The Acer Aspire 7600U and 5600U Series were built to deliver all aspects of digital life into a stylish entertainment hub that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. Sporting an extremely slim profile of less than 1.4 inches and a clean design, these AIOs will enhance any room in the home.

ASUS today launches the ROG TYTAN CG8480 - a gaming desktop with an Intel Core i7-3770K processor with Turbo Gear function that enables full 4-core CPU instant overclocking to reach a maximum speed of 4.2 GHz. It comes equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2 GB GDDR5 graphics card that supports up to four monitors, while the 128 GB SATA3 SSD delivers greater data access speeds than generic HDDs. Audio quality is further enhanced by an ASUS Xonar DX sound card, providing up to 35 times clearer audio than onboard audio codecs, giving gamers an audio advantage over their opponents. All this powerful hardware is housed within an intricately designed polygonal chassis with built-in indicators that glow from blue to red depending on the overclocking mode it is in.

Microsoft is applying the design principles of its September-launched Sculpt Comfort desktop keyboard on a new product targeting Windows 8 tablet-docked desktops and notebooks, the Sculpt Mobile. Measuring 355 x 167 x 13 mm (WxDxH), and weighing 438 g, the Sculpt Mobile is a compact wireless keyboard that uses Bluetooth to talk to its host device. It features a compact 87-key QWERTY layout in a number of IMEs. Pictured below is the Japanese + English keyset. Powered by two AAA-size batteries, the Sclupt Mobile can work up to 5 months with typical usage before needing a battery replacement. It can maintain a range of 10 meters with its included USB Bluetooth dongle, which can vary, if using the tablet's in-built Bluetooth transceiver. Slated for November 2, the Sculpt Mobile is expected to be priced at 4,935 JPY (US $63).

Yet another ASUS-branded Windows 8 mobile PC has went up for pre-order this week and it is a 0.8-inch-thick ultrabook boasting a 14.1-inch (1366 x 768) touchscreen. Named VivoBook S400, ASUS' creation runs Windows 8 Home Premium (64-bit) and features a 1.7 GHz Core i5-3317U processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 24 GB SSD, a 500 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive, Intel GMA HD graphics, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, an HD camera, plus one USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports.

The VivoBook S400 costs $699 and will ship on October 26.

For those put off by TAICHI 21's second display and its price tag ASUS has introduced a simpler, but still touch-enabled, and Windows 8-loaded, laptop, the VivoBook X202. Priced at $599, the X202 is 0.9-inch thick, it runs Windows 8 Home Premium, and features an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) LED-backlit touchscreen, a 1.8 GHz Core i3-3217U processor, 4 GB of RAM, Intel GMA HD graphics, a 500 GB hard drive, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, a 0.3 megapixel camera, a 3-in-1 card reader, one USB 3.0 port, an HDMI output, and a 2-cell battery (battery life is up to 5 hours).

The VivoBook X202 is available for pre-order and is set to ship on October 26.

With two weeks to go until the official launch of Windows 8, ASUS has given the green light to pre-orders of its Win8-running TAICHI 21 convertible notebook featuring two 11.6-inch touchscreens. The back-to-back displays of the TAICHI 21 have an IPS panel, support up to 10-finger touch, and offer a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

ASUS' multiple monitor mobile machine runs Windows 8 Home Premium (64-bit), is less than an inch thick, and also packs an Intel Core processor (a 1.7 GHz i5-3317U or 1.9 GHz i7-3517U), Intel GMA HD graphics, 4 GB of RAM, a 128/256 GB SSD, stereo speakers with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower technology, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual HD cameras, two USB 3.0 ports, and a 6-cell battery enabling up to 5 hours of operation.

The TAICHI 21-DH51 with a Core i5 CPU and a 128 GB SSD costs $1,300 while the 21-DH71 with a Core i7 chip and a 256 GB drive goes for $1,600.

iBUYPOWER is excited to announce that it is now taking pre-orders on new gaming systems with Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Starting October 12, 2012, customers may pre-order a lightning fast gaming system from iBUYPOWER with the highly anticipated Windows 8 operating system. Pre-ordered systems will be prioritized for delivery after Windows 8 launches.

"iBUYPOWER is dedicated to offering the latest and greatest technology for gamers," said Darren Su, Vice President of iBUYPOWER, "the flexibility to offer things the moment they become available on the market is something we're very proud to be able to accomplish."

Microsoft's biggest launch of the year, Windows 8, may be under two weeks away, but there are still a couple of things Redmond managed to keep secret despite consumers getting a fair look-and-feel of the new operating system with pre-launch Consumer Previews. A large volume of Windows licenses are sold through hardware vendors, where the operating system is sold pre-installed on PCs and notebooks. The rest is sold as packaged software, through conventional retail channels.

As packaged software, the two variants of Windows 8 (Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro) will be available as upgrade and full-version. The upgrade package lets you move from an existing installation of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, to the new OS. The Windows 8 Pro Upgrade is listed at an introductory price of US $69.99. For the same price, you get Windows 8 Pro Pack, which is a card with a software key to Windows 8 Pro (any architecture), no installation media. The OEM (builder) packages of Windows 8 (standard), which includes a key and installation media is sold in 64-bit and 32-bit variants, each priced at $99.99. Lastly, there are similar 64-bit and 32-bit packages for Windows 8 Pro, each priced at $139.99. Newegg.com is accepting pre-orders.

AMD is eyeing a slice of the Windows 8 tablet pie with its Z-Series "Hondo" dual-core x86-64 APU, which was launched earlier this week. According to sources among Taiwan-based notebook makers, the first devices based on the chips will arrive as early as this November. The company, however, did not disclose design wins or the companies working on products around its chip. AMD Z-60 will face off with Intel's recently-launched Atom Z2760 dual-core chip, designed for the same class of devices. Built on the 40 nm "Brazos 2.0" silicon, the Z-60 packs two x86-64 cores, and Radeon HD 6250 DirectX 11 graphics. Its TDP is just 4.5W.

Dell is helping customers touch the future with a refreshed portfolio of business and consumer PCs built for Microsoft Windows 8, designed to provide a more intuitive computing experience and address evolving customer desires. Dell's new systems deliver on the promise of new advances in computing: a leading-edge and intuitive touch experience, the security and manageability required by today's always-on pace and the design aesthetic, style and precision workmanship customers demand.

Today Dell is making available for pre-order three new PCs in its upcoming fall portfolio: the XPS 12, XPS One 27 and Inspiron One 23. The systems are currently available to customers in the United States and will be available worldwide in the coming days. Further, Dell is offering Windows 8 as an option on its current XPS, Inspiron, Latitude, OptiPlex and Precision brands.

Here is the first picture of MSI's upcoming performance all-in-one desktop based on Windows 8, the AE2712. As its model number might suggest, the AE2712 derives its name from its 27-inch display. The display is touch-capable, and features 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. Under the hood is an Intel Core "Ivy Bridge" processor; a variety of CPU, memory, and graphics options will be available. MSI will launch the AE2712 close to that of Windows 8. More details are awaited.

Ahead of the much anticipated launch of Windows 8, Overclockers UK are pleased to announce the launch of Windows 8 editions of a selection of their bestselling PCs. With system choices to appeal to all, from casual home users to hardcore gamers, customers can pre-order a brand new Windows 8 PC today.

There is no denying that the entirely new Windows interface is a big change, but behind the flashy new interface, you'll be pleased to find that Windows 8 successfully builds on everything you loved about Windows 7. A major benefit of Windows 8, is that it is an operating system that works seamlessly across all of your devices, from your desktop PC through to your touch screen tablet and it's also slick, quick and highly customisable.

Sony today introduced its first mobile Tabletop PC for the U.S. market, the VAIO Tap 20 PC, and its slider hybrid, the VAIO Duo 11 Ultrabook, combining innovative hardware designs with rich touch experiences powered by Windows 8. Alongside the new state-of-the-art PCs, there's an elegant T Series Ultrabook and portfolio of VAIO PCs that put touch right at the heart of the personal computing experience.

Built with Sony's innovative digital imaging, sound and TV technology, the latest VAIO Touchworld collection features bright, responsive 10-point multi-touch screens with engaging interactive applications, family computing options and new experiences in mobile productivity.

VIZIO, Inc., announced today its holiday line-up of Windows 8-based PCs, highlighted by a 24" and 27" All-in-One Touch PC with 10-finger capacitive touchscreen displays. Equipped with stunning full HD 1080p displays and an impressive 2.1 audio system with subwoofer, the VIZIO All-in-One Touch PC brings entertainment directly to the user's fingertips for a fast and fluid Windows 8 experience.

Along with the introduction of the stunning 24" and 27" All-in-One Touch PCs, VIZIO's PC lineup includes two Ultrabooks and a Notebook - the VIZIO14" and 15.6" Thin + Light and 15.6" Notebook. These new models arrive in time for the holidays with key enhancements that make them the ideal choice for users looking for optimal performance in a beautifully designed, premium PC. Both the Thin + Light and Notebook models feature an enhanced multi-gesture touchpad that allows users the ability to navigate Windows 8's touch-centric features using the same swipe, tap and pinch gestures as they would on the screen of the All-in-One PC. Elegantly combining exceptional performance, premium entertainment and touch functionality, the entire VIZIO PC line-up for Windows 8 places the power to create unique experiences at the fingertips of each user.

Acer America today announced the Aspire M5 series of Ultrabooks, available exclusively at Best Buy stores in the United States. Featuring Windows 8, the slim and stylish Aspire M5 series combines the portability of an Ultrabook with powerful performance, 8-hour battery life and outstanding value. Select models also include 10 point touch for easily navigating digital media and Windows 8 touch apps.

"Many consumers desire the mobility of an Ultrabook, but still require the larger displays, optical drives, all-day battery life and value offered in a more mainstream notebook PC," said Scott Ledterman, vice president of retail sales, Acer America. "The Aspire M5 series delivers that perfect combination of portability and performance for mainstream consumers, and goes a step further with premium features like touch input. We are delighted that Best Buy will offer the M Series line exclusively to their customers this holiday season."

Acer America today announced the Aspire V5 series, a popular range of thin and light notebooks will be available with Windows 8 beginning October 26 in North America. Ideal for consumers looking for impressive performance, style and full-featured mobility at an outstanding value, the Aspire V5 notebooks series has models suited for a wide range of consumers.

The Aspire V5 Series are 30 percent slimmer than previous value-based notebooks(2), making them extremely easy to handle on the go. Under one inch thin, the Aspire V5 series are available in three convenient display sizes - the 11.6-inch Aspire V5-171 is about 3 pounds, the 14-inch Aspire V5-471 is 4.63 pounds, and the 15.6-inch Aspire V5-571 version is just about 5 pounds. The notebook's chassis has a smooth and silky surface, making it comfortable to carry, available in either silver or black.

In wake of GeForce GTX 650 Ti launch, NVIDIA posted the latest WHQL-signed version of its GeForce software suite, version 306.97 WHQL. Recommended for Windows 8, the driver adds support for the newly-launched GPU, and is said to go well with Borderlands 2, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, and World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria. New performance and stability improvements are said to cover a variety of games. 3D Vision profiles were added or improved for a large number of games.

DOWNLOAD: NVIDIA GeForce 306.97 WHQL (International) for Windows 8/7/Vista 64-bit | Windows 8/7/Vista 32-bit

Today Logitech announced a new lineup of products designed for easy and intuitive navigation of Windows 8. Available later this month, the Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad T650, Logitech Touch Mouse T620 and Logitech Zone Touch Mouse T400 are each specifically designed to work with the Windows 8 touch interface.

"This new family of products takes the traditional mouse functionality you're used to and optimizes it for the navigation experience offered by Windows 8," said Mike Culver, vice president of brand development for consumer computing platforms at Logitech. "Our new mice and touchpad replicate the touch-screen experience that you've grown accustomed to on smartphones and tablets. With Windows 8 now offering up a similar touch experience, our products give you quick, easy and dynamic access to the core elements of the new interface."

Lenovo today announced a new family of four convertible devices designed for Windows 8/RT to change the way people use PCs and redefine the future of mobile computing. For consumers, the touch-optimized family includes the IdeaPad Yoga 13, a foremost blend of play and productivity, Yoga 11, a svelte, all day mobile companion, IdeaTab Lynx, a premier dual core Intel Atom-based tablet, and for professionals, the ThinkPad Twist, a business-ready device that puts a new spin on the traditional convertible tablet.

"Our family of Ultrabook convertibles addresses the unique needs of consumers, businesses and everyone in between by creating high performance laptop-tablet combinations in new designs and different sizes," said Peter Hortensius, senior vice president, Lenovo, and president, Product Group, Lenovo. "We think these innovative convertibles are the best devices for a groundbreaking touchscreen experience, plus their multi-modes give people even more ways to use their PC."

Acer America, the world's number two notebook provider, today announced that the Acer Iconia W510 tablet PC featuring Windows 8 will be available for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The new tablet PC features a sleek convertible design that can be used in three different modes to make computing more natural and intuitive.

Conventional tablet PC mode provides first-rate multi-touch navigation as customers enjoy the intuitive and comfortable design, as well as the responsive 10.1-inch HD LED-backlit Gorilla Glass 2 full high-definition screen that is beautiful, strong and scratch-resistant. The Gorilla Glass 2 display enhances the crisp and vibrant images, and is durable and flexible enough to handle the routine impacts of daily use.

Elecom Japan announced four new lines (a total of 18 models) of mice optimized for Windows 8. The optimization is a special button, which in combination with movement and other buttons, lets you emulate multi-touch gestures (such as pinching), making it ideal for Windows 8 tablets that convert to desktops with a simple docking/stand. Among the four lines are the M-BL18UB series, the M-BL19DB series, the M-TG08UL series, and the M-TG09DL series (pictured in that order below). The four feature 1600 DPI blue LED sensors, 6 buttons, 2-way scroll-wheels, and ergonomic right-oriented designs. The M-BL18UB and M-TG08UL are wired, while the M-BL19DB and M-TG09DL talk to the host over 2.4 GHz wireless band. The mice are available in red, blue, pink, black, or white variants. They are slated for mid-October.

AMD announced its latest entry in the performance tablet and small form factor PC market with the AMD Z-60 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU). The AMD Z-60 is AMD's lowest power APU, delivering unprecedented performance and AMD AllDay power for tablet form factors as thin as 10mm. A compelling combination of features, stunning graphics, support for the latest Microsoft Windows 8 applications and user interfaces, as well as compatibility with Windows 7 and the full-suite of legacy Windows applications, makes the AMD Z-60 APU an ideal solution for a range of designs.

The first tablets based on the AMD Z-60 APU are expected to launch globally this year in conjunction with availability of Windows 8.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Microsoft announced the completion of their previously announced strategic partnership in NOOK Media LLC, a recently formed Barnes & Noble subsidiary and a leader in the emerging digital reading and digital education markets. Microsoft and Barnes & Noble's strategic partnership in NOOK Media LLC will enable the companies to advance world-class digital reading experiences to the hundreds of millions of customers they jointly serve.

NOOK Media LLC comprises the digital and College businesses of Barnes & Noble and will continue to have a very close and mutually beneficial relationship with Barnes & Noble's retail stores. The partnership includes a $300 million investment from Microsoft in NOOK Media LLC.