We've seen a flurry of Windows 8 PC announcements over the last week or two, most recently with Microsoft opening the gates to Windows 8 preorders this morning. The calendar still has a few big Windows 8-related events on it, though, so here's what you can look forward to over the next few weeks.
October 12: Microsoft begins taking preorders for the standalone retail version of its new operating system, Windows 8 Pro. Preorders for full Windows 8 PCs also begin from Acer, Dell, HP, Sony, and other major system vendors.
October 21: Windows Phone 8 devices available for preorder. You can put your name down for
October 25: Microsoft hosts its Windows 8 launch event in New York. With little left for Microsoft to announce about Windows 8, the tone of the day should be more coming-out party than news event.
October 26: Windows 8 is officially available to consumers. Customers should begin receiving preordered units, Windows 8 upgrade and full OS downloads go live, and retail stores, including 30 Microsoft-run pop-up outlets, can finally take the wraps off of Windows 8 PCs.
October 29: Launch event for Windows Phone 8. Microsoft kicks off its new mobile OS with a San Francisco launch event. In terms of exact availability, the wireless carriers have only specified "November" for the first batch of phones.
Discuss: What's next for Windows 8?
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.