Actually, no. The alpha for the other two expansion were released about 5-6 months before the official release. The pattern has been *roughly* two months for the alpha and three months for the beta.

*If* that holds true I would say and late Spring/Early Summer. I certainly think the intention is now to bring it out before Blizzcon. Of course, given Blizzard's tendency of being late I wouldn't bet money on it.

However, it does mean that leaks will be forthcoming :D

I agree with Daniel, that does seem to be the pattern. Either way I'm excited!

Daniel, didn't Wrath of the Lich King alpha begin in Marchish?

Daniel's predicted schedule seems to be on the mark. The Lich King will be unlocked in normal mode on the 2nd/3rd of February and assuming guilds kill him in the first reset, it leaves us with 6 months of ICC hard mode content till Cataclysm goes live in July. Seems like the usual content-cycle timeline.

Exciting things are in store!

Below is a post I made on Jan 7. Seems like I'm spot on so far.

BC Alpha Aug 23-06 (63 days later)
BC Beta Oct 25-06 (41 days later)
Patch 2.0 Dec 5-06 (42 days later)
BC Release Jan 16-07 (126 days later)
Patch 2.1 May 22-07 (175 days later)
Patch 2.3 Nov 13-07 (133 days later)
Patch 2.4 Mar 25-08 (16 days later)

Wrath Alpha Apr 10-08 (98 days later)
Wrath Beta Jul 17-08 (89 days later)
Patch 3.0 Oct 14-08 (30 days later)
Wrath Release Nov 13-08 (152 days later)
Patch 3.1 Apr 14-09 (112 days later)
Patch 3.2 Aug 4-09 (126 days later)
Patch 3.3 Dec 8-09 (35 days later)

Cata Alpha *Jan 12-10 (79 days later)
Cata Beta *Apr 1-10 (68 days later)
Patch 4.0 *Jun 8-10 (36 days later)
Cata Release *Jul 16-10

*Estimates

Based on the average amount of time it took them to release content for previous expansions, these are my best guesses as to when Cataclysm content will release. I'm pretty sure I've at least got it nailed to within 30 days or so baring no unexpected set backs. With your estimate of Nov it would take them roughly 4 months longer to make Cata than BC or Wrath.

If they are keeping pace with previous releases then we should expect news of Cata Alpha very soon(TM).