in-store
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Samsung Fascinate ready for Best Buy in-store pre-order ahead of rumored September 9 launch
Verizon can't be feeling too hot about being the straggler to the Galaxy S party, but the wait seems to be almost at an end. Best Buy's just started taking in-store pre-orders for the Fascinate, while the latest internal document leak from VZW indicates a specific September 9 launch for the 4-inch Android handset. That's when you should be able to snap the Fascinate up along with a prepaid data plan from Big Red, which fits in nicely with earlier unsanctioned disclosures on the matter. Either way, Samsung's quest to conquer all networks with its Super Gorilla phone will be coming to a victorious end pretty soon. [Thanks, Brian G.]
Kindle officially going on sale at Target on April 25
Looks like that blurry leak we got was dead-on: Target and Amazon just officially announced that the Kindle will be sold in the Minneapolis Target flagship store and 102 southern Florida stores starting April 25, with the rest of the chain getting units as the year goes on. That's the first time Jeff Bezo's e-reader will be sold in a brick-and-mortar store, a big step for Amazon we're taking as a response to Barnes & Noble's heavy in-store promotion of the Nook -- although Target already carries the Sony Reader line, so it's not totally crazy. We'll see how this affects sales in the months to come -- and whether or not Target follows this up by selling the iPad as well. Full press release after the break. Update: A kind, anonymous tipster has sent us in that little photo of what appears to be the Kindle's Target packaging. Thanks!
Ask Engadget HD: How do you evaluate HDTVs in-store?
We all know the situation, there's a series of impossibly large numbers on the spec card, the quality of the lighting is questionable, and a salesman who may or may not know anything about televisions is droning on about the death of plasma. Still, you want a new HDTV, and this is where the televisions are. What Sean wants to know is, how do you figure out the right set for you in a retail setting? "Can anyone recommend video test files used to check the capabilities of HDTVs? It would be great to walk into an electronics store with a USB stick loaded full of video files to test color, contrast, motion etc. and see which performs best. Has anyone ever had success bringing in some of their own equipment to test with the televisions in-store? When I'm checking out different televisions, what differences should I be looking at to pick the right one?" We've gotten a few handy anecdotes on how to evaluate televisions in even the worst store conditions, and we've seen enough specs to know they're never to be trusted without an independent evaluation, but as an informed buyer, what are you doing to tip the scales towards your specific interests, and not just what pads the stores sales or salesman's commission? Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Get your hands on The Beatles: Rock Band today at Best Buy
Sure, you could sit on your butt today, thinking about how The Beatles: Rock Band won't be available until September 9. Instead, why not head to a participating Best Buy store today between noon and 3:30PM (EST) to check out the game early? Harmonix and MTV Games are offering a chance to play an in-store demo build of the game for today only before it hits retailers in a few weeks. There's even "special hosted demo events" at certain stores "where you can ask questions about the game, learn some tips-and-tricks, and more" -- we're hoping the "and more" is sensual massages from Sir Paul McCartney himself. Peep the whole list of participating stores right here.[Thanks, JD!]
Palm Pre filtering into Sprint stores, indocile employee sizes it up
With only days to go before at least four or five Sprint stores begin selling Palm's Pre, we're already seeing at least one employee with some time on his hands give the smartphone a go. Moral of the story? Right about now would be an awesome time to know somebody who can get behind a Sprint counter without using an unlawful amount of force.
Rogers iPhone 3G in-store activation process gets detailed
For the smattering of Canadians wealthy enough to pick up an iPhone 3G from Rogers Wireless without worrying over the lack of an unlimited data plan, we've stumbled across what appears to be internal verbiage detailing the in-store activation process. Quite frankly, there doesn't seem to be any real surprises here, but it is somewhat interesting that retail locations will be required to download and use a special version of iTunes with an "Activation Only Mode," which will enable employees to unbrick the mobiles before customers leave. In any case, feel free to hit the read link if you're anxious to know exactly what the sure-to-be-hair-raising experience will be like come July 11th.[Via GearDiary, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
iPhone 3G purchase and activation will be in-store only
Like many, you were probably planning on hanging back, sipping on Bacardi 151, and waiting for your new iPhone 3G to arrive in the mail following a timely pre-order. Unfortunately for your foot-kicked-onto-desk plans, Apple and AT&T have something else in mind. Word on the street is that you will not be able to purchase and / or activate a new device via any other method than in-store, thus doing a full 180 on the way the dream team was doing business last time around. So not only has Apple's revenue sharing gone into that good night, but it appears the innovative DIY activation that was such a big deal this time last year is shuffling off as well. So what gives guys? And more importantly, why are you making us leave the house? Hear what AT&T reps had to say about it after the break.
MacBook Air in stores Tuesday, empty pocketbook in your future
Just in case you were really, really anxious to get your hands on the MacBook Air, word on the street is that the little slivers are already in stores, and you'll actually be able to stroll up into the place and nab them this Tuesday. Of course, old Jobsy has already said as much ("two weeks"), but the Boy Genius is making extra-dextra sure that everyone knows they really will be on the floor come next week. If you're lucky enough to be employed by Apple as a "Genius," then you'll be getting some Air training tomorrow. Hey, it's never too late to sign up and instantly be accepted for a job... oh, wait, it probably is.
Wal-Mart to reserve shelf space for Blu-ray players alone?
We're not exactly sure what to make of this just yet -- after all, it seems that this news would've circled the world ten times over by now if there were any substance to it -- but according to Stephen Pope, chief global market strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, Wal-Mart could be kicking HD DVD players to the e-curb. More specifically, he outrightly claims that Wally World has said that "physically, in its stores, it will only sell Blu-ray players," though HD DVD players would be made available through its website. Obviously, we've seen no official word one way or another from Wal-Mart about this proclamation, but it is a curious assertion to make without any underlying knowledge. We'll keep you posted -- if there's anything to keep you posted about, that is. Hit the read link for the video proof, it's right around the 1:09 mark.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Update: Reader Dave reckons the fellow misspoke and meant to say "Target." Sounds quite likely, actually.
Blockbuster's Total Access plan allows in-store returns of mailed movies
Although Netflix certainly set the precedent with its online movie rental biz, has vowed to support HD DVD and Blu-ray formats, and seems to have an on-again / off-again relationship with downloadable rentals, Blockbuster is busting out a feature that Netflix isn't likely to soon match. Under the newly-unveiled "Total Access" plan, customers will not only be able to return all movies received in the mail to a brick-and-mortar location, but they'll receive "a free in-store movie rental" for their cooperation. The company is hoping to break the 2 million member mark by year's end, and also reported that customers who opt to return their flicks in-store should receive their next movie mailing about "a day faster than if they had returned it through the mail." While we're not sure if every single in-store return will yield yet another free rental (or if it's another "one per month" deal), we're not going to grumble over anything gratis.
