Windows 7 Beta will be available for download through Windows 7 Site on 1/9/2009.  Please note that this copy will expire on 8/1/2009.  We know a few people who have been running Windows 7 beta and they have been very happy with it.  Since it is beta after all, it may not be a good idea to run any important or mission-critical tasks on it, yet.  Here are some reviews:

• ZDNet Windows 7 Beta Review
• Lifehacker Windows 7 Beta Boasts Sub-3o Second Boot Time
• TechBlog Windows 7 Beta: First Impressions

For those who are technically inclined and may be interested in checking it out in a virtual environment, here is a bit more information on how to go about doing that.