Yesterday in the Microsoft store (and also previously on the phone) I was told that online pre-orders were shipping ON the Friday the 20th, so not to expect it delivered until the following week. They also told me that I had to pre-order in the store by today (6/13) to have a guaranteed unit on release day. So I ordered in the store and cancelled my online order.
That's not to say you can't pre-order it and still get one at a Microsoft store on release day. I'm sure each store will have units available for purchase. And of course, they could have been lying to me, so your mileage may vary.
Thanks for the info.
Sounds like it might be better to pick it up then to chance the shipping... if you absolutely have to have it on the 20th.
Since i don't have a Microsoft Store nearby, i'll go with Best Buy. It's just as well since i don't get a student discount and i could use the Best Buy points. Turns out Best Buy is just like Microsoft, if you order online all you can do is get it shipped. There's no way to order online and pick up at the store. But, again just like Microsoft, if you go into the store you can reserve one for launch day and they'll hold it for you. Unlike Microsoft, Best Buy makes you reserve it by buying a $50 gift card (which you can use to purchase the SP3). So that's what i did.
Also, both of the guys at my Best Buy that i talked to said they would definitely be in on the 20th. He hinted they'd be in earlier but said Microsoft fines them if they release early.
P.S., in order to pick it up at the store, you have to GO THERE to pre-order/reserve it, i.e. you can't just call the store and talk to their rep. That goes for Best Buy and the Microsoft Store.