The masses won't be able to buy Windows 8 until October 26, but you can cut to the front of the line if you've got the right connections.
Windows 8 has officially been released to manufacturing, which means it’s now in the hands of the hardware partners who will be building the next wave of Windows PCs. Those devices will be available for sale on October 26, which is also when the general public will be able to buy retail copies of Windows 8.
Read more at:
How to get Windows 8 ahead of the general public | ZDNet
See also:
http://www.eightforums.com/windows-...ise-rtm-free-evaluation-available-anyone.html