Microsoft Retail Stores

Hey I was reading on the internet that Microsoft is planning on opening up retail stores similar to Apple? What do yall think of this? Anybody have anymore info on it? Thanks

Ohh ok. I saw that there is only two stores open though. I wonder when they plan on opening more. I also wonder how the store that are open look.

I've been to the one in the Mission Viejo (CA), it's a really nice store. They have a few touch screen tables which are hit among the kids. They have an assortment of Sony computers and laptops, a lot Dell/Alienware, HP, Sony. They have a huge touchscreen in the back which I think also serves as a learning center where they can give classes though I haven't hung around the store long enough to see one. Though, if you're not tall enough you can't touch all the parts of the screen; I saw a 12 yr old struggling to close a window.

They have some Xbox stuff, a station that will make software CDs and DVDS and print them right before you. The walls are all screens which I heard get ridiculously hot if there is no AC blowing. But they use these as interchangeable decor or can be used to play XBox games or display like monitor.

In comparison to an Apple store, its better and seems a lot more fun to roam around. Though, I doubt MS sells anywhere close to what Apple does through their retail stores.

Hi there
I'm not sure what they would actually SELL in these places -- but it seems a nice but flawed idea.

Apple has the advantage in that you have to buy the WHOLE package hardware AND software.

MS only really supplies the software and a lot of this is quite easily delivered by other (and cheaper) means.

Maybe if these were more like Education / Internet centres or cafes then they could do some good but I'm not sure at all of what "business model" they are following.

As an "Advertising presence" showing new technology such as 3-D / Virtual Reality etc it could be good but would be expensive for MS to do well.

If I need software I'm not likely to go to one of the most expensive parts of California (although still a beautiful area) when I could buy it on the Net at a considerable discount.

Now if MS teamed up with SKY TV to provide a lot of places for watching the World Cup in 3D -- then THAT would go down a treat.

IBM and Rolex have been working for years at the Wimbledon tennis championships -- so why shouldn't MS get together with SKY to provide 3D viewing for what is probably the LARGEST sporting event in the world (FIFA WORLD CUP 2010) -- and this would get them ready to do the same for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Cheers
jimbo