OS online stores

[CJW]

I'm hoping to get a new laptop/tablet, possibly a 2-in-1, but I'd like to get some information before looking around.
Can someone explain to me exactly which OS uses which Store?

The Microsoft Store is for Microsoft Surfaces
The App Store is for Apple iPads
The Amazon Store is for Amazon Fires?
The Google Play store is for Chromebooks?

 

[Mellon Head]

Well, you can buy Windows based hardware and the Windows OS from almost any store, from Microsoft itself, to Best Buy to Amazon.com. Online retailers such as Newegg or NCIX.com are good places to buy Windows based equipment.

The Apple App Store is a place for Apps for Apple products. I don't know much about Apple products, but they probably sell the Apple OS for Macs there too. If you are looking for Apple hardware, there have been a number of stores in my area popping up that are high end Apple boutiques, run by Apple. I assume they are around where you live.

You can buy a Chromebook almost anywhere. As for the OS, I suspect you can get it from Google, or perhaps the Android store since Google also makes Android.

I expect that the Amazon Fire is only available at Amazon for as long as they decide to support the product.

Your question was sort of open ended. Does my answer make sense in your context? I'm not sure if I completely answered your question.

 

[CJW]

Perhaps I wasn't clear.

I know where I can buy the laptop/tablet, but I want to know which companies use which online Store to download the Programs (Apps).
In other words; once I buy a Surface, I'll only be able to use the Microsoft Store. If I get an iPad, I'll have to use their App Store. If I get a Chromebook, can I only use Google Play? If I get an Amazon Fire, am I stuck w/the Amazon Store?

 

[Mellon Head]

Ah, I see. I misunderstood.

Yes, from the knowledge that I have, I think you are right in your assessment.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
As far as windows I don't believe you're stuck with the ms store for all software
You can install software just like in win-7 too most will work but some legacy = old programs might not be compatible
Stuff like free gimp/ paintnet/... install just like they have always done go their website and download it and run the .exe
Post some program needs

Games from steam/.... are also same as they has always have been download steam/... from their website...... install the games you may already own or buy and install others

Apple and google are glass boxes apps store only that I know of,
MS might eventually stiffen policy from store only but have yet too.

 

[CJW]

I don't really have program NEEDS, but there are some I really like using; VLC, EasyCleaner, CCleaner, irFanView, 1-4a Rename, WinRAR to name a few.

I'd like to use some of my old programs from Windows 7, so that leads me more towards Windows. But the App store seems to have more apps that I want to use & some that are similar/better than those above, so that leads me towards an Apple.
Plus, 2-in-1's usually have more memory, storage space, inputs/outputs & a physical keyboard. W/an iPad, I'd need to buy a physical keyboard separately. Also, many 2-in-1's are cheaper than iPads.

 

[mrjimphelps]

The only version of Windows which has to get its apps from the Microsoft store is Windows 10S. If you have any other version of Windows, you can get your apps/programs from just about anywhere.

 

[strollin]

MS Surface hardware is not restricted to simply using apps from the Microsoft store (unless you get one of the older RT models) but can use pretty much any Windows software out there (older software may have compatibility issues).

iPads only run apps from the Apple app store and Chromebooks only run apps available from the Chrome store (not Google Play, that's for Android phones and tablets). The Kindle Fire does have it's own app store but it is basically an Android device and can also run apps from the Google Play store, the issue there is figuring out how to get and install apps from the Play store.

Surface - Software for Windows OS
iPad - Software for iOS
Chrome - Software for Chrome OS
Kindle - Software for Android OS

 

[CJW]

Thanks for the help everyone.
I'm going to look through the Microsoft Store & Apple App Store if I can, I have a Windows 7 desktop; if not, I'll go to a store (Best Buy for example) to check out the App Stores. I think it'll help to see what would be available between the 2 so I can decide on the hardware. I hope that makes sense.