If your don't have your download code from play.com yet, but really want to start the download, you can now get the pre-release, by following the below links.
EU - http://funcom.cachefly.net/AoC-EU-EarlyAccess.exe
US - http://funcom.cachefly.net/AoC-US-EarlyAccess.exe
Enjoy
ps If you preordered the game, and didn't get it yet, or are just planning on buying a key, then this is an easy way to get the client, without having to buy the software - or to have it preinstalled... and explore the DBC files with Glitchy's tool