Microsoft online store now featuring third party hardware and software
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted Oct 22nd 2009 9:31AM
posted Oct 22nd 2009 9:31AM
Disappointed that you can't make it to Scottsdale for the opening of the big Microsoft retail store? Since you've given up on real life in lieu of a completely wired existence anyways, perhaps a more meaningful experience would be to mosey over to the company's online shop and check out all the new PCs and third party software that's been added to the catalog. No longer just the fine purveyors of Office products and "Bill Gates is my homeboy" t-shirts, this is your newest online destination for Sony netbooks and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing software -- as well as that operating system you've been longing to get your hands on. One thing they don't have? Manic Panic hair dye. Well, not yet anyways.
[Via CNET]
[Via CNET]
Wondering how much longer before the "Apple did it first!" (or variations on the theme) pop in.
yep, and when that happens, i'll be ready with "wait wait, didn't Sony do it first?"
You guys are freaking obsessed with Apple. I'm a Mac user and even I didn't think of Apple while reading this.
@Sanskrit .. your an idiot. YOU brought up Apple first .. and then labelled someone an iTard when they called you out on it.
People complaining about Apple fanboys = almost as bad as Apple fanboys. Almost. And no, you can't add a "people complaining about" to what I just said, it doesn't work that way :)
@Sanskrit what a disgrace to the holy language? Please change your handle.. pretty please.
pal :)
Nice site. Can't wait to see it expanded even more. It's sort of like a fancy best buy.
except without all the high school kids who will try to change your mind with their "facts"
Apple did it first!
+1 for making me laugh at that (in a good way).
"One low rank, coming up".
Can I have fries with that?
Hai gais sorry to break the fun but Sony did it first. Sorry to break balls bai nao!
I nearly had to cry when I figured out that I can't go there...but wait I don't care if they just realized that they could also open their own store..
Try to do that Apple :D
You gave a few machines to the world, but the Windows Club gave us dozens in many colors, sizes, shapes, brands, options of customer support, customizations. It is not just what is inside that I like to change, also what is outside.
Why be a Mac Clone? When you can be a Windows Individual. I am proud to say "I'm a PC"
I've got a tear in my eye .. that's the most beautiful, prophetic thing I've heard in a long time. You know what man. I also want to be an individual dammit !! .. I'm off to get me a PC. Thank you for enlightening me.
Wow, you're using an operating system just like 86 percent of the world. You're totally on the edge, dude. And so cool.
@ Dexton: The operating system is the soul. The hardware is the body.
I am a human like the rest of the whole world. But, there is diversity on how we look, what we do. Yes, Windows is not perfect. But, when you go to buy a Windows PC, you have many options. For some, it may not be important, but for others they are. There is competition between Windows PC vendors that gives us access to better prices, quality built, and competitive warranties and technical support.
There are many Windows PC to choose from. You end up choosing one that fits best to your particular needs. I believe the gap between Mac and Windows is over. People that complain about "malware"in PCs just need to understand that a computer is like a car - it needs maintenance, cleaning (software and hardware - clean your keyboard after eating those darn Cheese Puffs :D ). So keep software updates, have a Internet Security, and optimize it. It is not that hard and just takes like 5 clicks.
So soulful. I just cried a little bit. You could be a Mac user.
@Kris120890
You, not as soulful.
Disclaimer: Not an Apple owner
Well I just found out from Sony that no official drivers for my 10 month old Vaio laptop will be available.
"Windows® 7 installation is not recommended and Sony will not be providing Windows® 7 drivers for this model."
So what good are all these options you speak of on the inside and outside if every Windows upgrade requires a new PC purchase. Total BS. Now I'm left scouring Google for original chip manufacturer's drivers which may or may not work, and without driver support for preparatory buttons on my laptop, ever. Or I can stick with Vista. Love my "options" as a Windows user.
@ Spiel
That's Sony for you. Too bad though, Lenovo keeps cranking out Win7 drivers for my 1.5 year old t61p...
@Spiel: Yes, that is Sony. Don't hate the game. Hate the player.
I have an ancient DELL (that I use for beta testing) and they are giving me all the drivers. Laptop is 2 years old.
What Apple calls complication, we call choice.
NIce, Hobo, nice words bro-man
It shoudl be the slogan. "I'm a PC, and I'm myself."
IMO All MS (non-online of course )stores should have 4 networked computers (or 360s) playing games that support DirectX 11 each with 50inch Monitors/TVs. of course with top of the line PCs.
All other Mall stores would be empty (yes apple stores included). Hell I know I let my girlfriend shop while i stay there and play games.
Can I order that Windows 7 burger?
It's been 10 hours already and not one official "Windows 7 is here!" post.
Imagine if they (engadget) would be this quiet for snow leopard.
And PC games! Were those there before? I forget.
Wow this site has become a haven for Apple haters. Every single article has tons of Apple hating comments.
@tikiteko
Wow, so now being a windows user is a club. Dude get a life. If being a PC user makes you an individual, say hello to the 86 percent of the population. You are not that unique. Most of them are forced to use windows because their job most likely requires it or they are forced to think that windows is the only solution for their company.
I am a mac user but I also love to use Ubuntu.
You can't call yourself "unique" unless you are using linux.
And, from the looks of your icon, you are obviously on the verizon network, which once again has more people on it than any network. And like the rest of the droid cronies, you are anti apple. Do you think Verizon will actually let you customize your phone? They will control it and cripple it with the vzw software. Verizon is where great products go to die. Plus, if you like droid, then you like google and if you like google then you obviously do not have total alligiance to Microsoft because google is gunning for microsoft by competing with windows mobile, bing etc.
People need to realize that Microsoft is only successful because they force people to use them. People do not know better
Yeah ... like Apple forcing us to use their own hardware .... right?
@umangs94
Yeah, and I'm sure Microsoft will install Linux on that PC if you like, right?
@Detox
Microsoft doesn't install any OS onto a PC ... it is the OEMS who do so.
Besides, you CAN install Linux on a PC if you want to.
But can I install SL on my PC if I want to?
Dude, calm down, you got to admit you're funny though. Microsoft is like any company, they want you to buy a PC, just as long as it's running Windows. And there is nothing at all wrong with that. They are a corporation. That's kind of their job, to convince you to use their product, but you're defending Microsoft as if they're Greenpeace or something.
Apple doesn't force you to buy an ipod, iPhone, macbook, etc. They make easy to use products that people like which is why people buy them. There are so many products out there that people can buy instead of Apple products but people continue to use Apple products.
Microsoft has spent billions of dollars to make sure that business' use their products and in turn, the less tech savvy person feels that they have to use MS because that is what their job requires of them. MS also likes to buy out companies that have tech that can pose competition. How is this fair?
Actually, I am on T-Mobile not Verizon. SO, don't judge a book by the cover. :D I just like how that droid looks, I have a thing for Robots and I really like to Moto Droid.
(2nd) I address the "86% of the population" thing already
(3rd) You can install any OS that you want into any Windows-capable not-Apple-branded PC. As a proof, DELL sells PCs that have Ubuntu and Linux to Consumers.
(4rd) The connection between Windows and Verizon is pretty irrelevant. It guess you will be surprised of an Apple employee using a Verizon phone because AT&T does not cover their area - that is out of their control....
How is their pricing on PS3's?
Man I need a Macbook Pro 15 and a gaming laptop to and I will be set.
It seem HP is a good choice.
According to the Microsoft Store, the Xbox 360 version of Mass Effect is a PC game.
great news, especially on Sony stuff sold via Microsoft online
Other software? I don't see WordPerfect for sale there... :)
(Yes, I still use it and it is a million times better than Word.)
I'm a PC and I thank everyone at Microsoft for a OS that is amazing.