Posted 08/08/09 at 01:10:17 PM by Justin Kerr

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?

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Posted 07/16/09 at 02:54:32 PM by Pulkit Chandna

All Dell PCs bought after 29 June, 2009 are eligible for a complimentary Windows 7 upgrade, according to a recent announcement by the floundering PC maker. But Dell forgot to mention that in case of PCs bought from brick-and-mortar stores, the date of purchase, in context of this offer, is that date when the third-party retailer bought the PC from Dell. As this date invariably precedes the actual date of purchase – the date on which the PC is bought by the customer, it can potentially render many customers ineligible for the free Windows 7 upgrade. Dell is avowedly aware of the problem and currently working toward a solution.

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Posted 01/16/09 at 10:55:27 AM by Paul Lilly

'Anything you can do, I can do better' seems to be the mantra driving Microsoft these days, and while many of you felt Microsoft did one-up Apple with its Vista commercials (this editor did not), it remains to be seen if those same folks think that Microsoft's new Retail Experience Center holds the same appeal as the Apple Store.

The Retail Experience Center doesn't actually exist, at least not yet, but Microsoft did publish a video and several photos of what one would look like. It's all very authentic looking, and as one might imagine, filled with all things Microsoft, including the company's Surface technology. But is it exciting? Engadget describes the fake store masquerading as a real outlet as "pretty boring and corporate," likening it to a Circuit City, while iStartedSomething.com admits "doesn't look half bad."

Check out the video and pics, then hit the jump and tell us what you think.

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Posted 11/04/08 at 10:21:38 AM by Paul Lilly

Tough times are ahead for Circuit City. The mega electronics chain plans to close 155 stores and evaluate its options moving forward in a restructuring attempt . As part of the store closings, Circuit City also said it will cut 17 percent of its domestic workforce.

"While management is working diligently to secure the support of its vendors and believes it has maintained good relationships with these important partners," the company said in a statement, "the current mix of terms and credit availability is becoming unmanageable for the company.

The store closures are to take place today, with closing sales to begin on November 5. While disappointing for patrons of the brick and mortar outlet, Circuit City's previous CEO Philip Schoonover warned that it could close stores as part of a turnaround plan.

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