Microsoft Store

Microsoft has had quite the week to say the least! The company not only launched its latest operating system — Windows 7 — but it also opened a new retail store in Arizona. And starting today, you can now go to Microsoft's website and buy a Windows PC directly from its website.

According to USA Today, Microsoft's addition of computers to its online store was bound to happen, as the company hopes the site will get people excited about using Windows — something that Best Buy and Wal-Mart don't really do.

Personally, I like the way that the site is set up. It's easy to navigate your way around, and you can quickly check off fields to narrow your results. What do you think? Would you now go to Microsoft's site to purchase a Windows PC, or are you going to stick to the other online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Wal-Mart?

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced their plan to open a retail store, and yesterday was the day! The Scottsdale, AZ store drew an initial crowd of around 500 people who waited in line for the opening, including some die-hard fans who spent the night. Just before opening, employees handed out gift bags to the first customers in line, including a $25 gift certificate and tickets to an Ashley Tisdale concert at the store later in the day. The store opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

The new store is outfitted with Microsoft's high-tech Surface Tables to help customers find what they're looking for. Giant screens decorate the walls in "gaming zones" where customers can test out their favorite video games, including Rock Band and Halo. The store sells several brands of Windows-compatible laptop in addition to Microsoft software (including the just-released Windows 7 operating system), and Xbox consoles and games.

The next store is scheduled to open on Oct. 29 in Southern California.

To see more store photos, just read more

• Microsoft plans on opening the doors to its new retail stores in the next few months — Engadget
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• If you downloaded iTunes 8.2.1, here's how you can still put tunes on your Palm Pre — Gizmodo
• TripAdvisor is warning travelers of fake reviews to lure visitors to their hotel — Switched
• Bill Gates makes physics lessons available for free from the Microsoft Research website — Bill Gates