Windows 8 PCs Available Early at HSN.com

If you happened to visit the Home Shopping Network website (HSN.com) this past weekend, you might have noticed some rather rare items for sale: Windows 8 PCs.

For a few days, HSN.com offered five Windows 8 PCs. That's three weeks before Windows 8's official launch on October 26, 2012. According to reports, Microsoft and manufacturer Acer then asked the retailer to remove those PCs from the site.

Windows 8 Laptops, All-in-One PCs Available via HSN.com

The listed PCs are built by Acer and its division, Gateway. All five of the machines are loaded with the 64-bit edition of Windows 8 (and not Windows 8 Pro).

Three of the PCs listed on HSN.com were laptops, while two were all-in-one PCs featuring large touchscreen displays. (Source: tomshardware.com)

When asked by ZDNet writer Ed Bott when the Windows 8 PCs would ship, an HSN.com representative reportedly said: "All 5 computers are in stock and will ship right away when ordered," and that customers could "expect delivery within 12 days of their order date." (Source: zdnet.com)

PCs Loaded with Bloatware, Shovelware

According to some observers, these aren't the best Windows 8 PCs. They include high-performance Intel Core i3 and i5 processors, but come loaded with substantial bloatware (pre-installed trial software that tends to slow computer performance).

The PCs are said to ship with a Microsoft Office trial, a Norton Security trial, a McAfee security trial, a Nero Essentials CD-burning demo, and video game demos unlikely to stir the imaginations of hardcore gamers.

Home Shopping Network's offer of a "PC Essentials 22A Standard Software DVD" is also hardly enticing. The DVD includes programs like My Perfect Wedding Planner and TurboFloorPlan 3D Home & Landscape Deluxe 16, both of which can best be classified as "shovelware."

ZDNet reports that both Microsoft and Acer have requested HSN remove the listed PCs from their website, calling the issue a mistake. (Source: zdnet.com)

"Microsoft and major retailers are getting ready for general availability of Windows 8 devices on 10/26 and not prior to that date," a Microsoft representative said. "Once Microsoft learned of the HSN promotion, we contacted them and asked that they discontinue the on-air and online offer since it is not yet 10/26." (Source: pcmag.com)