Microsoft was right – their new Best Buy in-store locations have to be seen to be believed.
The software maker has invaded my local Best Buy store in Pasadena with a VERY impressive Windows Store.
I walked in yesterday and was like “what the..” .. It’s a massive piece of store real estate that’s competing with Apple and Samsung’s parts of the store.
I have to say, it’s clearly the most impressive part of the Best Buy store. It’s beautiful, clean and very well designed.
There is one exception though.
First some pictures…
Best Buy Microsoft Store Pasadena 1
Best Buy Microsoft Store Pasadena 2
Ok here’s the one exception.
It’s this really beautiful part of the store with lots of Windows 8 PC’s and tablets in all shapes and sizes.
When you are looking at the Surfaces, it looks really futuristic and trendy and cool but when you look at all the other PC’s and laptops surrounding the Surfaces, they all look REALLY old.
I’m shocked by how blocky and ugly some of these PC makers still are making their laptops.
This isn’t Microsoft’s fault but there definitely is cognitive dissonance when you see the Microsoft stuff and then look at the other vendors.
You may have one of these in your neighborhood (if you’re in the United States), if so, go check them out and let me know if you notice the difference as well.
All Comments
Looks like the same layout here in Tucson (though the Geek Squad booth is located elsewhere in the store here, next to Customer Service), which I thought looked fresher. And indeed, looking at the Surfaces puts the others to shame. The iPads seemed very blasé in comparison, really.
Don’t you think this backs up Microsoft’s decision to start leading the way in hardware.
I do, @mikegreenway:disqus. I just wished Microsoft would go further, personally (though many would disagree with me). I’d really like to have a Microsoft laptop/ultrabook that’s as sleek as the Surface is without the crapware. Never going to happen, however.
Never is a long time. Lets keep our fingers crossed and see.
Good idea.
Ironically I think the challenge Microsoft will have now is cleaning up the ecosystem so that most PC’s and tablets look attractive.
Maybe I’ll write a post on that…
The Surfaces do look very cool in their colors. I was very impressed. I’m sure DCJason would call me an Apple Lover for that though.
🙂
Hehehe! And I’m sure that apple pies are the ONLY pies worth eating too, eh?!
😉