We still don't know exactly when Microsoft
That hasn't stopped Microsoft's hardware partners from announcing products based on the new software.
Hewlett-Packard
But these aren't launch-day partner systems for Microsoft. Two of the HP models will reach stores "for the holidays," and the third misses Black Friday with a December launch date.
Dell
Unlike HP, Dell is aiming to have these systems for sale "when Windows 8 is available at the end of October."
And then there's Samsung. Still licking its wounds from a huge courtroom smackdown at the hands of Apple
The just-announced ATIV line includes both tablets and smartphones, just like Samsung's Android-based Galaxy brand. I'd expect a slew of laptops later on, but Sammy hasn't unveiled any of those, yet.
These are seriously high-end devices, but the company said nothing about launch dates or pricing. These products could prove very timely, as Samsung's Android gadgets are in danger of getting slapped with import bans. I'd expect them to launch on the soonish side, given Samsung's legal challenges. This makes the ATIV gadgets a good litmus test for Microsoft's mobile ambitions -- if the world's leading smartphone wrangler can't sell this platform with some serious marketing motivation at its back, then nobody will.
Windows 7 is getting long in the tooth, and Microsoft has never owned a serious mobile platform. The Windows 8 launch has the entire weight of Redmond on its shoulders. Read up on the unique challenges and opportunities in front of Microsoft in our brand new research service for this stock. Get started with an in-depth premium report on Microsoft; then, enjoy a full year of timely analysis updates.