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Microsoft might be a juggernaut in the software world, but many of us were skeptical when it came to the idea of a dedicated store. Sure it’s worked out great for Apple, but reactions to the recently demoed floor plan were mixed to say the least and locations were still somewhat of a mystery.
Well if seeing is believing then take a look at the very first location in Scottsdale Arizona (pictured above), with a second store bound for Mission Viejo California. Both locations are set to open sometime this fall with many more on the way.
You might want to consider getting in line now if you were hoping to score your very own limited edition Bing tee-shirt, or perhaps even the coveted Misdemeanor. Would you go out of your way to shop at a Microsoft store?
(Image Credit: Engadget)
Comments are closed on this article
Trooper_One
August 10, 2009 at 12:25pm
These stores are nice and will hopefully provide insightful information to customers (especially to the entry level users)...
... but these things cost a lot of $$$, and will inevitably raise the cost of Microsoft's products. Hopefully, not to Apple's level.
dracx619
August 10, 2009 at 6:35am
this is something that ive been thinking about for a good few years, "why doesn't msft have a store?" this is going to help em out in so many ways and i could see myself there to bybass bestbuy. imagine going to a store that isn't full of geek squad type wannabee techies that dont know what the heck they are doin (i know theres some of you that do know whats up, but A LOT dont). a big selling point for apple is their top notch customer service and in store support and training. it looks like with this concept, msft will be able to do the same and hopeflly expand on it, so the general pop doesn't have to call kirpal in india anymore.
combine that with training, seminars, demos, previews, a one stop shop for everything msft...dang, for a general userbase, this is gold. hopefully it will do well and expand. im excite, heres more on the store
http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/24/microsoft-store-concept-revealed-in-leaked-design-presentation/
Century22
August 09, 2009 at 9:19pm
Does this mean that they will provide customer service? I seriously doubt it.
DBsantos77
August 08, 2009 at 9:17pm
HAHAHA, I LOVE how 1 comment made 4 people TRIP. I'm sure I'll do fine with my iMac, and yes I'll have the money to blow at it, I don't care if I can buy a i7 PC and have a blazing fast computer, pretty much sold on an apple.
You don't like Apple? Simple - don't buy their products, and take your anti-mac crusades somewhere else.
nekollx
August 10, 2009 at 9:11am
You know as much as i hate the apple tax i really liek the all in one iMac design. If i was going to buy a mac it would have to be something not avable pc side so a Mini or a iMac. Though Dell does now make all in ones...wonder how they compare price for performace to a mac though...
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Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
LordPyro
August 08, 2009 at 9:52pm
By purchasing an apple computer, you have proven to me you are an idiot because you are wasting money to such an extreme.
And you might want to pay attention to the websites you go to, this website is Maximum PC.
DBsantos77
August 08, 2009 at 10:00pm
You're right, I should've expected this from the beginning, guess if I would've gone to MaximumMac and said "Screw Apple I'm building an I7 PC," it would've been the same outcome. You Can't please the world.
Also guess I should've left the "iMac" part out of my comment, not like anyone cares but I just wanted to throw it out there. You also consider an Apple throwing away money, we both have different views on Apple, I like things about it and you don't, won't change my mind on an iMac will it? No. I didn't want to create a mac vs pc comment war.
As far as the "Too late MS" part, that's when "better late then never comes into play". Microsoft should've looked at what Apple did and make a BETTER version of whatever they we're looking at. As I said, hopefully it will market W7 very well, and they can stay on track.
dag1992
August 09, 2009 at 11:42am
Shoot, I was at the grand opening of the first Apple Store and it surely never inspired me to buy a Mac. That was when iMacs were still the cute little gumdrops. Either way I do 3D modeling and animation which should be prime territory for Macs, yet 3dsmax is incompatible (basically industry standard) and most of us are too lazy to learn Maya.
n0ctis
August 09, 2009 at 4:34am
Troll.
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.: vires et honos :.
Vegan
August 09, 2009 at 1:42am
" I didn't want to create a mac vs pc comment war."
I think that's exactly what you were shooting for.
DBsantos77
August 08, 2009 at 4:22pm
Heh, too late for MS, althought this can market 7 pretty well, in any case, I'm saving up for an Apple iMac :)
bbecker42
August 08, 2009 at 6:26pm
Have fun with your underperforming, showy, outdated iMac. Or you could enjoy a pc that will last alot longer.
comptech08
August 08, 2009 at 4:40pm
so you got a few more years of saving then? Well when you eventually can afford it, have fun with your under performing over priced paperweight.
mattman059
August 08, 2009 at 6:46pm
*picks self up from floor after laughing so hard* ...iMac huh..okay sure..no im sorry i just cannot let that go. Apple is just for people who dont want to get any real work done. Get a PC and your guarenteed to become more efficient...and more importantly play the most recent video games and create custom built systems with the newest highest performing parts (notice that this site IS called MaximumPC..not MaximumMac...)
gendoikari1
August 08, 2009 at 12:28pm
I hope there will be such things as Microsoft Stores in Canada. We want them too!
Ashton2091
August 08, 2009 at 12:10pm
You know, I like Microsofts new approach to marketing. I'm not sure if it would work out or not, but good approach. the company has really been working to please it's customers. I don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but the products are better. That's enough for me. Windows 7, Windows Live Services, Bing, Web Expression 3, and not to mention the new Free AntiVirus on the way...It seems like a great time to roll out a retail store. It may crash and burn. I'm not a microsoft lover, I just hope for better customer service and satisfaction. (like with AMD) A giant like Microsoft will be around (no matter who likes it or doesn't) with a monopolize like Windows. I'd rather have them around while providing descent service, prices, and accessibility. This is a good step forward.
Yuri_395
August 08, 2009 at 11:41am
If there was one within fifty miles of me then I would check it out.
