I am not sure what this would accomplish. People do not go to Apple in order to look for the cheapest things -- most of them shop at Apple because they really like their products.

This looks like a case of Microsoft deciding to open stores regardless, so they decided they might as well put them closer to Apple stores.

Meh.

when it comes to tech, you never go to the manufacture stores anyway (sony stores, apple ect) cause you will more than likely pay more, usually RRP.

Well I guess Microsoft is just getting childish now. Fist the laptop commericals and now this. /facepalm

This could be a good way for the computer illiterate to get better educated about PCs. Need some 'Microsoft Geniuses' telling people that they really don't need a netbook, that they will be much happier with a much more powerful desktop for less money instead of best buy or fry's employees that don't know or don't care if the customer is happy with their purchase after getting it home.

Dingumf actually Apple started the commerical war. Microsoft just won that war. And its no different than Apple setting up shop in bestbuys and comp usa's equipped complete with Apple Geniuses

Well MS might import slave labor materials from China, but Apple already does with all the Foxconn motherboards they use.

If their new ads are any indication, they will also offer crappy HP laptops in every store.

In SF there was a Microsoft Store. MS Closed for a few years now and gave no reasons. Now they plan to reopen the store again, how stupid.
What is the store going to sell?

no need for the walmart comment in a hardnews article...

They will also be handing out company colored armor and batons for "Debating" with each other.

I love you.

Sounds like a good idea. They can show, point by point, how their stuff is as good as Apple's offering. I don't care either way, but it seems like a cool strategy.

There is if they plan on using a wal-mart exec to run the stores...genius.

Well i would agree with velo116, at least for the comment in the last paragraph. Rather pointless, if you ask me...

That's right, fight amongst yourselves...

"Microsoft plans to set up shop next to every Apple Store."

Clearly not what was said. Ridiculous headliner.

"...if Microsoft plans to import PC components and gadgets straight from China sweatshops..."

The author clearly has a beef with corporations.

I think it's a fabulous prospect.

Every time I've ever been in a Mac store (not by choice. My neice thought Ipods were cute) All I heard the salesmen telling people were how much better Macs were than Pc's in every aspect and it was pretty hard not to interrupt and tell different but I like letting people stay ignorant.

Either way, Mac & Microsoft will always be around.

Odd comparing the two companies as Mac makes their own hardware then turns it proprietary and charges up the butt for it.

At least with Microsoft you're just looking at loads of universal parts for a lot less.

Exactly! Like I want to pay MS for MS Winblows when I could go to best buy or a local computer store and get a cheap CPU and the OEM version of Windblows. Not only that, but I don't want any specific Microshaft gadgets. The only reason apple stores need to exist is because there are not many place you can get an apple PC and apple gadgets, where as microshaft and other devices that work with non apple PCs are ever where. PC = personal computer which apple is you just can't build them so they are less personal.

What would they sell at an MS store? An entire wall devoted to the different iterations of Windows Vista? When you look at Microsofts actual products its relatively limited since they partner with many hardware manufacturers to sell products for them.

Its not like they can sell non-OEMs, it would ruin relations with their OEMs.

This might not be as rediculouse as most people are assuming. Microsoft does have a very diverse set of products, much more so than Apple. Windows, Office, Xbox (consoles and games), Zunes, Mice/Keyboards, Web cams, ect... I don't know if these stores will have any success, but you have to admit its at least reasonable for Microsoft to think there COULD be some success, especially when you consider the success of Apple stores.

I would like to visit one as I carry in my Macbook Pro and just listen to their ploys to try and get me to switch, LOL Could be fun.

Obviously, lots of people do, otherwise those stores would not exist. Sometimes, the expertise (perceived) you get at those stores make it worth it.

This is MS' attempt to jab at Apple directly.

Could be fun, like, we can make a system with an aluminium case as well, or painted white, for half the price. That kind of fun or differant?

the one thing I never understood about microsoft attacking mac is..microsoft still has almost 90% of the market, what's the point in attacking a company when you know for a fact you can release bad products *cough*me/vista*cough* and everybody will still use them because they have little choice? It's not like apple's gonna magically take 50% of the market overnight or something

I guess this is why i always hated the best buy/hp branded microsoft commercials selling windows over mac...well that and you know for the price they spent on the windows laptop you could still get much better for the money than what they end up with

Could be fun, like you can pay the same money as a Macbook Pro and get a system twice as fast, or the same speed for half the price? That kind of fun or differant?

I think point that PC users take exception to with Mac users is not that they think PCs are better than Macs because there is an obvious level of build quality, the thing that they take exception to is the massive cost. There is no logical reason to charge so much for a Mac other than the fact they can. Maybe if they made their prices more competetive then the 'magical' level of market share would increase. It's just like cars, if you sell yours at the same price as a Ferrari then dont expect to see the freeway suddenly clogged with a traffic jam of red sportscars. High quality PC's are cheaper because they have to compete against each other and can all use Windows (or Linux) and Apple has a combined hardware/software monopoly = no reason to reduce cost.

I bet if you asked the IE team, they would tell you that Firefox felt like it evolved over night.

Microsoft could look mighty smug and get the better hand if they used this as an opportunity to 'enlighten' not harrass the uneducated or even the 'Apples'. if they give options, the consumer will be better for it, and make an informed decision.

This is ridiculous. It would be like Motel 6 opening next to all Hilton's because the rooms are cheaper.

People know the Apple's are much more expensive already. They buy Apples products because they like them.

I like Apples products. But because of price and features I am moving back to Microsoft. I have been using XP in tandem with OS X for years now. But Windows 7 really is drawing me back. Since my Pentium Dual Core, Radeon 4850, 1.5TB across three hard drives, 4GB of RAM cost less then a Mac Mini. Apple lost my vote when they abandoned the consumer desktop market, the low end PowerMac G4's and G5's were stretching it thin already.

I think its an interesting move and one that could play out well for them. They just need to not be as smug and act like they are better than everyone else like the apple people do.

it is abit of a stretch between the title and what was actually said. Being sensational with your articles isn't always the right way to go

Why would I need a Microsoft store? I can buy all the Microsoft products that I want at my local Best Buy.

Sure it may help from an image and branding perspective, but it is not the most pragmatic move.

you could say the same about the apple section in your local best buy