So haven't done a update for TOR in a while so I figured I would consolidate a bunch of stuff into one quick update.

A new Intro video was Posted, Called Signs of War:




The developers debated on who would win in a fight, a Jedi Knight versus a Bounty Hunter. But everyone knows that the Bounty Hunter is OP currently in Beta so it's a easy one





A article was also released explaining in a little more depth how Character Companions are going to work. Basically you have more control over what they do in combat then originally thought. Some pretty cool stuff that is actually a good read, you can read it here: Star Wars: The Old Republic | Developer Blogs



AND probably the most exciting news was the confirmed release date for the game. SW:TOR will be going live December 20th, 2011. This is awesome because most people will be on Christmas break and so the first week or so should be just jam packed full of people waving sabers around.
What has not been released though and is causing quite the discussion is when the people that have preordered will be able to start playing (Part of the perk to preordering was getting early access to the live game) As of yet nothing has been said and likely will be a week or two before the live push.



Also they have shown the updated perks for preorders which are as follows:


All Pre-Orders:

Color Stone. Included as part of every pre-order of Star Wars: The Old Republic, the Color Stone is a special crystal that players can use to change the color of any lightsaber blade or blaster bolt to a yellow hue encased in a black outer shell.


Digital Deluxe Edition:

These items are included as bonuses for the Digital Deluxe Edition.

Flare Gun. The Flare Gun is a small cosmetic device that allows you to fire a particle flare high into the sky above your character’s head.

Training Droid. A small but advanced piece of machinery, the Training Droid will hover by your side as you explore the galaxy. The Training Droid will also serve you in combat, marking your target with a particle effect that clearly identifies them as an enemy.

HoloDancer. The HoloDancer allows you to take the party with you in your travels and can be deployed at almost any time by activating the HoloDancer and targeting the ground near your character.

HoloCam. The HoloCam lets your character take high-resolution images of the countless wonders that they will discover on their journey across the galaxy.

STAP. The STAP, or Single Trooper Aerial Platform, is a custom-skinned vehicle that you will be able to acquire at no cost to you. The vehicle itself will become available once your character gains the ability to pilot vehicles.



Collector’s Edition: Should be noted that this is currently sold out and I dont think they plan on adding anymore into availability

In addition to the items included in the Digital Deluxe Edition, the Collector’s Edition of Star Wars: The Old Republic includes the following items.

Mouse Droid. This mouse droid, custom-skinned for Collector’s Edition owners, serves as a faithful pet that will follow you as you make your way across the galaxy.

Collector’s Edition Store. At launch the Collector’s Edition Store will be available to those who have the Collector’s Edition of The Old Republic, and will feature items found nowhere else in the game! The Collector’s Edition will be stocked with exclusive social items for yourself, and unique appearances for your companion. The store will also have regular updates to give players incentive to keep coming back.



The two things that are easily the best perks are the Collectors Edition Store(is going to have higher end items that have different skins that are buyable thru ingame creds) and the STAP that comes with the deluxe and Collectors Edition, being able to move around faster in the beginning of the game will be a huge help and will make leveling much easier and faster