An Acer executive has reportedly confirmed that Windows 7 will be shipping pre-installed on Acer computers starting on October 23rd 2009. This is in direct contradiction to Microsoft's own January 2010 date.

This isn't surprising. I bet we see the OS show up on new computers a few months prior to being able to buy the OS itself for upgrades or custom-built machines. Acer also says that Vista machines bought 30 days prior to Windows 7 availability will be able to upgrade to Windows 7 for free.

The computer that will first come with the new OS installed is the Acer Z5600 PC specifically designed for Windows 7. The Z5600 will ship towards the end of September.

Via Pocket-Lint