Look, but Don’t Touch: Windows 8 on Display at Best Buy

Although Microsoft officially unveiled Windows 8 pricing on Friday, no one would get a taste of the full version before October 26 when the company plans to reveal the operating system to the press.

Still, the Redmond-based software giant rolled out a preorder program, confirming that Windows 8 PCs can be found at several retailers across the United States. The first units will be shipped after the public launch, Microsoft emphasized in a press statement.

Best Buy is one of the stores that will sell the new Microsoft operating system and those living in St. Cloud, Minnesota can already see the product in action.

The local Best Buy displays several laptops and desktop computers running Windows 8, WinSource reports, and while consumers are allowed to buy any of them, the product won’t be delivered before October 26.

However, Best Buy is currently taking preorders for the new operating system in all its stores across the United States, but also via its official website.

Users who do not want to purchase a Windows 8 retail package can turn to Microsoft’s online upgrading system that allows previous Windows buyers to make the move to the new OS for just $14.99 (€11.5).

“Online upgrade to Windows 8 Pro is supported for 140 countries worldwide, with 37 languages, and 23 supported currencies! You will want to upgrade your PC to Windows 8 Pro sooner rather than later - this upgrade promotion for Windows 8 Pro both online and at retail runs only through to January 31st, 2013,” the company said in a blog post published on Friday morning.

Full pricing information and other details regarding the preorder program are available on this page.