TechEd ticket stampede

A free HP netbook with Windows 7 installed prove so alluring that the 2400 places at Microsoft's TechEd conference were filled more than a month before the event.

Microsoft's technical audience lead Ben English said the response was "unprecedented".

"There's no doubt [the free netbook] has generated a lot of buzz," he said.

"We're very in touch with our community and they're excited about the netbooks and the Windows 7 release code on them."

The company was investigating streaming more sessions from the event to satisfy customers who missed out on tickets.

"We are conscious a lot of customers are disappointed [that it sold out already]," English said.

But he said Microsoft was "very pleased" IT professionals had selected TechEd as a must-see event this year.

"Technical Education" or TechEd is at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, 8 - 11 September.