Eager to get your hands on a new PC with Microsoft's Windows 7 preinstalled? If you play your cards right, you could get one as much as a week or more in advance of the software's official Oct. 22 release.

A custom computer maker in the Seattle region says Microsoft has quietly given smaller system builders its blessing to sell Windows 7 PCs as soon as they receive the product keys, which is expected to be as early as Oct. 13. The head start might not seem like a big deal, particularly given the fact that many enthusiasts are already running Windows 7 through a variety of testing and technical programs, but the situation shows how eager the industry is to make the shift.

"I don't think I've ever been more prepared for an operating system launch than I have been with Windows 7," said Jon Bach, president of Auburn-based Puget Systems Inc., citing his own experience running the software for the past six months. Windows Vista, by comparison, was a major headache for many users, especially in its early days.

Bach said he learned of the early release policy through his own inquiries to the Redmond company. His understanding is that the rule applies to system builders that buy the operating system through distribution channels, but not to Dell, Hewlett-Packard or other large computer makers and retailers.

Puget Systems plans to start taking preorders Friday for machines that could be made available to PC buyers as early as Oct. 13. The company already has copies of the final version of the operating system that it can preload and configure in advance, leaving only the task of entering the product key once it becomes available.

"I'm surprised this hasn't come out," Bach said. "It was freely shared with us, and confirmed in writing. We almost didn't believe it. ... The way they said it was, 'This is your competitive advantage, make use of it.' "

Ironically, the early availability doesn't apply to people who bought Windows Vista machines in recent months with the right to upgrade for free to Windows 7 when it comes out, Bach said. Under the policies, they'll have to wait until Oct. 22 to get the new operating system with everyone else.

We've asked Microsoft for details and confirmation, and we'll update this post depending on the response.

Update, Friday morning. Here's Microsoft's statement on the issue:

"October 12 is the date that Microsoft enables our Authorized Replicators to begin shipping Windows 7 to Microsoft OEM Authorized Distributors. As the fulfillment process through our supply chain takes time, we begin initial product distribution in advance of General Availability. Therefore, this represents our Release To Manufacturing (RTM) process for OEMs who purchase indirectly through Distribution.

"So, while in theory a System Builder could get Windows 7 product pre-GA, based on supply chain analysis, the intended timing for customers to receive Windows 7 PCs from System Builders should be close to GA, October 22nd. This represents the same process Microsoft managed with past Windows releases."