Beta is expected in 1-2 weeks on a thursday. My experience was that they charged me the same day of the release.

Just sell a pint or 2 of blood, and you can afford the other games too 

I am fully counting on it - I am not expecting a polished experience, nor even fun at this point of the development process. I pre-ordered simply to commit money to the game early on while I still have them (because otherwise they might end up being spent on something else).

Yes, SD beta are only open to people who have preordered to ensure that only people REALLY interested in the game are participating since there are lots of bugs, it is unpolished and doesn't indicate the quality of the final product. It is really different from others companies betas as input from beta testers can alter some important aspects of the game.

I may be wrong but I fear it is the other way: you are charged, you get a serial Id and are able to download the game. If you don't want to be charged, you shall not preorder. I think that all preorders will be processed (and charged) when the next windows for new beta testers will open.

Yep, Peace Phoenix is indeed right. Citing the almighty "Elemental for Dummies" thread, section on pre-orders:

The way that the system works is that you need a serial key registered in order to download. That's how people with it (be it preorder or final) are distinguished from those without. If you have an uncharged preorder, it's not even linked to your Impulse account in any way yet, it's just queued up in sales. When the beta is opened, all pending preordeers are charged through and those people are issued their serials so they can have access. Those steps (buy, get/register serial, granted access) are inseparable because there's no differentiation between a beta key and a final key.
If you do not wish to tie up your money at such an early stage or want to try the game before doing so, Stardock'd advise against preordering. They usually do a demo after final if that's more your thing, and you can still propose ideas and such on the forum based on others' comments without having the beta yourself.

ok im about to pre order. So let me get this right.

i want the standard edition. Which says i get both box and i can downloard the game as well?

And even though the message says " Beta access is currently closed. We will open the beta for
access with the next major beta release later this spring"

Means if i preorder the regular edition, ill get into Beta 2 once it opens up on this week or next?

will i be able to get into beta 2 with the pre order. Or is that "filled". I imagine Beta 3 will be like the following month. Will there be more open slots for Beta 3 if b2 is closed?

When beta 2 is released, all pre-orders will be charged, and everybody will get access. It's not full, if you order now you will get in.

Thanks for clearing that up, Tridus!