[NewsPoster]

Though consumers will still have to wait another two weeks before the official launch of Windows 8, PCs running Microsoft's latest operating system have begun showing up in some retail outlets to promote the official beginning of pre-ordering Win8 systems. Electronista stopped in to a Best Buy in Charlottesvillle, VA, finding three working and official Windows 8 units on display, apparently there for customers to familiarize themselves with the new operating system.

The units had prices visible, though customers can only preorder them. We saw three units on display: a convertible Lenovo ultrabook ($1,000), an HP ultrabook ($850), and an HP all-in-one ($1,000). All three units were touch-enabled, and all were up and running for customer inspection. The presentation space had room for more devices, which may be coming in the next few days. We also saw displays intended to inform curious customers as to how to use the new touch-oriented operating system. The units were not available for purchase, but Best Buy attendants were more than willing to give us information on how to preorder the devices.