Well, it’s not exactly the XBOX or anything, but Microsoft is throwing itself a little launch event this evening. As you well know, Vista will be available starting at 12:01 tonight (also known as Tuesday morning), so get your best Harry Potter/World of Warcraft/Star Wars/Whatever you wear to weird midnight launch events pressed and ready, it’s retail time. From USA Today:

• Most CompUSA stores will be open from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. (New Jersey stores will not be open because of state retailing laws.)

Consumers can snap up “door-buster” specials on Vista PC accessories, including a $50 Wi-Fi router for $2. Some deals will continue through the week. CompUSA staffers will also evaluate any PC brought into the store to see if it can run Vista. The service is free.

• Best Buy will open 14 stores from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., including those in Detroit, Cleveland and San Diego. NFL players from each city will be on hand to sign autographs.

On Tuesday morning, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will make an appearance in the Midtown Manhattan store. All Best Buys will have demonstrations showing how Vista PCs can work with other electronics, such as digital cameras.

•Circuit City is opening 10 stores from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., including in Miami and Nashville. NFL players will be at the stores, and prizes will be handed out.

If you’re hesitant, CompUSA is offering to install Vista for $20ish in store, and if you don’t like it, they’ll take it off for free. —MEGHANN MARCO

Some retailers plan to open doors after hours to sell Windows Vista [USA Today]

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