Although some retailers and system builders are already "sneaking" copies of the OS and systems with the OS pre-installed, the official release date remains Oct 22. BUT WAIT! Microsoft has just announced that some small system builders who build special built-to-order systems may pre-install Windows 7 on systems to be delivered on Oct 13. The only thing new here, I guess, is that Microsoft is now approving a certain portion of the early releases.
edit: (While turning a blind eye to the remaining early release instances....)
Some Win7 PCs to Ship Days Before Official Win7 Release / Infopackets.com
edit: (While turning a blind eye to the remaining early release instances....)
Some Win7 PCs to Ship Days Before Official Win7 Release / Infopackets.com