Acer exec: Windows 7 available on Oct. 23

Windows 7 will be ready a bit early, according to an executive at the world's third-largest PC maker, Acer.

On Thursday Acer UK marketing director Bobby Watkins told tech blog Pocket-lint.com to expect the new operating system by fall:

"23rd October is the date the Windows 7 will be available. There is a 30 day upgrade time so that customers don't wait to buy a new computer, so if you buy during that 30 day period, you'll get a free upgrade to Windows 7," Watkins is quoted as saying.

That's also the day Acer will release its Z5600 PC, an all-in-one desktop built specifically around Windows 7 features.

Microsoft has previously stated that the final version of Windows 7 won't be ready until January 2010. The first release candidate of the new operating system will be available Thursday to some developers and to the public next week.