I've been using Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) on two computers for some time now and I LOVE IT! But I've been using unreleased code. I'm always a bit nervous about using unpublished stuff, heck, a lot of people are afraid about published stuff! HAHA But seriously, I've been anxiously awaiting the Windows 7 Relase To Manufacturing (RTM) and it looks like we're going to get it August 6th, 2009 (via MSDN download).
RTM is available to the public to purchase in stores Oct 22, 2009. Why the vast distance in dates? Translations, creating the DVDs, making the packaging, doing the packaging/boxing of the product and not to mention the logistics in shipping. So if you have an MSDN/TechNet subscription, check it out Aug 7th for the download.
Official (looking haha) MS Press Release
PS hhhmmm Uh Peter! Didn't you say it was available Aug 6? Then why are you saing Aug 7th for everyone to download? Cause I don't want to bog down MY download while you're downloading your copy! DOH! Ok, but seriously, there were HUGE problems with downloading RTMs the last time MS did this.