>No More Microsoft Stores, Thanks

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Agreeing with me is not a prerequisite for Technologizer contributors. (Actually, I always learn more when our other writers — and commenters — have a take that’s in conflict with mine.) I was happy to read Ed’s post on why he shares Steve Ballmer’s apparent belief that Microsoft should build many more Microsoft Stores. But even though Ed makes his case cogently, I’m still not sold on the argument that Microsoft should mount an Apple-like campaign to sell products directly to consumers through hundreds of retail outlets. Here’s why.

1. “Microsoft” is not a unifying concept. For one of the world’s largest companies, Apple makes shockingly few products — and they all work together, look alike, and appeal to a certain kind of person. They’re a matched set, and it makes sense for them all to be on display in one place. Microsoft, on the other hand, makes all kinds of stuff aimed at all kinds of people; there’s nothing tying together Xbox, a Microsoft mouse, and SQL Server. Yes, I know that Microsoft Stores focus on consumer products, but even then, “Microsoft” is a corporation, not a lifestyle or an aspiration or a rallying cry. (That helps to explain why Microsoft Stores look so much like Apple Stores that they’ve been roundly mocked for their copycatting.) When I first heard of

Microsoft Stores, I said that the notion of a Microsoft Store feels like that of a Procter and Gamble Store; I still feel that way.

2. Microsoft Stores can’t support Microsoft products like Apple Stores can support Apple products. It’s possible for an Apple “Genius” to know nearly everything there is to know about a Mac, an iPhone, or an iPad, in part because Apple is responsible for (as Steve Jobs likes to say) the whole widget. The world of Windows, however, involves a nearly infinite array of PCs from many, many manufacturers. No Microsoft expert can truly be an expert on all of them. And while Apple Geniuses who fail to solve problems on the spot can accept Apple products for warranty service — no matter where you bought them — a Microsoft Store can’t fix the Acer PC you bought at Best Buy or the HP one you bought at Office Depot.

3. Microsoft can’t tick off its partners. When Apple started opening its own storefronts in 2001, Apple products weren’t widely carried by big retailers-they were mostly stocked by mom and pop stores (some of whom were not pleased with Apple getting into the retail business). As Ed says, Microsoft products are readily available at major stores just about everywhere. I don’t think that Best Buy would be thrilled if Microsoft Stores started popping up across the nation. And I know it would be nonplussed if Microsoft took Ed’s suggestion and began offering exclusive deals through its stores that Best Buy couldn’t match. I don’t think Microsoft can afford to be as capricious about the feelings of major retailers as Apple was about independent Mac shops a decade ago.

4. There’s just too much stuff. Even a smallish Apple Store can stock every Apple computer, every iPhone, every iPod, and every iPad, plus every Apple accessory and a goodly selection of third-party products. A Microsoft Store is doomed to incompleteness: it can contain only a smattering of Windows computers, an incomplete selection of other Microsoft products, and a sampling of third-party offerings. I don’t even know whether the Microsoft Stores that already exist have every Windows Phone 7 handset on display.

5. It’s just not necessary. Apple began opening its own stores in part because it was hard to find Apple products for sale, and even harder to find salespeople who could answer fundamental questions such as “Why should I buy this $1000 Mac instead of a $500 Windows machine?” It isn’t difficult to find Microsoft and Microsoft-related products. And because they’re the default — at least when we’re talking computers — they require less explanation. I can’t imagine that anybody doesn’t buy a Microsoft product because there aren’t more Microsoft stores — but if every Apple Store on the planet were to mysteriously disappear tomorrow, Apple would be in deep trouble.

I should note that I’ve never been in an Microsoft Store: there aren’t any here in the Bay Area, and I haven’t encountered any in my travels. It’s possible that visiting one would leave me less skeptical about the whole idea. Then again, it might reinforce my gut feeling.

Ed, if you’re reading this — feel free to step in and tell me why I’m wrong…

>Apple: Online IPad 2 Orders Begin Mar. 11, 1 A.m. Pacific

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Early Thursday morning, Apple issued a press release reminding us all that the iPad 2 goes on sale Friday. The juiciest bit of new intel in the release is the fact that you’ll be able to order the iPad 2 from Apple’s Website beginning at 1 a.m. Pacific (that’s 4 a.m. Eastern) early Friday morning.Apple’s announcement rehashes other information we already know–namely, that the iPad will go on sale at 5 p.m. local time at all 236 Apple retail locations, along with stores run by AT&T, Best Buy, Target, Verizon Wireless, Walmart, and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
The release also states that GarageBand and iMovie for iOS are available Thursday, though there’s no sign of them in the App Store as of this writing.
The iPad 2’s price will start at $499, and is available in Wi-Fi-only models, plus Wi-Fi + 3G configurations for both AT&T and Verizon’s networks–and, of course, you have your choice of white or black models. Macworld posted its full review on Wednesday.

>Apple iPad 2 on Sale this March 11 on Verizon

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Apple iPad 2 is being prepped up for its March 11 release date. Apple Stores will surely have a very long line again for its iPad 2 Sale. Its popularity has just gone high when it was unveiled last Wednesday with CEO Steve Jobs. 

The Apple iPad 2 was featured as thinner, Lighter and faster. Sources are also saying that the Apple iPad 2 will be made available on Verizon Wireless with a price tag of $ 499 for 16 gig, $599 for the 32gig, and $699 for the 64gig (All Wifi Only Units).

Verizon Wireless has already confirmed that they will be offering the Apple iPad 2 this upcoming March 11. AT&T and Verizon has not yet confirmed that the 3G version will be available on this date. So those who want the Apple iPad 2 3G will have to wait. Although, AT&T also had not confirmed that they will be releasing the Apple iPad 2 on March 11. Its your choice on which provider you will be sticking to.

The Apple iPad 2 has a similar appearance to its predecessor but comes with its new features. A front and rear camera, a 1.3lbs weight and a new shell for the Apple iPad 2. Having 33% thinner aluminum shell with a flat back and beveled corners wrapping around the 9.7-in. screen. Its Display has not changed at all, still has a 1024 by 768 pixels, with 132 pixels per inch. Get yourself ready for the Apple iPad 2 Sale this March 11!.