Microsoft Store

Wow, what a great experience. I just bought a new Windows 10 notebook (retiring from the Apple universe, at least for a few years) and wanted to upgrade my Windows 8.1 laptop and give it to my wife. I ran into issues trying to upgrade it myself, so brought it in to the store. I left it with them for a few hours, and they installed Windows 10 for free, and MS Office as well (bought there, $ 99). They were very courteous, patient, and welcoming. Further, we were in the store on a Sunday and there was not the crush of people like in an Apple store. We are both new to Windows 10, so they gave us a private tutorial, which was very nice. We got nice one on one attention from the staff. I even started playing with the Microsoft Band 2, which I really liked a lot– great fitness tracker with a very nice interface. I went online and the reviews were great, so I picked one up on Amazon. Overall, was extremely impressed. Unlike Apple these days, I really felt valued. Additionally, it seems to me that the most innovative OS is now Windows 10, and the devices MS is coming out with are stunning– have you played with a Surface Book? I SO want one for my work computer.
I’m tired of Apple’s bloatware and lack of options in what software I use– the latest OS update wiped out (or at least buried) iPhoto in favor of the total crap Photo app.
With Microsoft, at least I can put on third party software and have a touchscreen. AND, all the devices are ½ the price of a comparable Apple machine with the same specs.
Really digging Microsoft now– the machines and software are very nice, and it’s great to know that I can get (free!!!) support in person at this store when needed.

After toying around with my new Windows 10 laptop, I am convinced that AI is nothing but a large network of internet trolls that finds ways to mess with people. LOL.
So storytelling time.
I was looking around at the new features of Windows 10, and noticed the newest addition of Cortana, the voice recognition system that helps do some daily tasks. As a impulsive teenage boy, my first thought is to see how I can outsmart the computer by asking it some unquantifiable answer that is obviously can’t answer. I mean it was a stupid computer for god’s sake. So the first thing that I say to it is, «What is the meaning of life?» expecting to get some response that says it doesn’t know what that means.
But the response that I got next was simply unbelievable. Cortana commented «I’ve heard from a reliable source the Answer is 42.» Now at first, I begin to overanalyze this statement. 42? 42??? What does this even mean? Curious more than ever now, I begin to experiment more and more, asking it everything from playing games to the newest references to pop-​culture and getting responses such as «Halo» and «What does the Fox Say?»
And then it hit me. Cortana is a piece of Artificial Intelligence. It was designed like this: to be a trollerdog. And I get it, Cortana is a truly beautiful piece of technology that helps using Windows so much easier. But deep down, behind it’s silicon outer shell, beneath the surface circles that resembles it, behind that search bar, was a faf brain with the mind and the ability to mess with people. So if you’re ever wondering just how far modern AI has been able to advance, just go ask Cortana, «Why did the chicken cross the road?»

Nicely nestled in the Marin County area at the Village at Corte Madera shopping mall. The store is very spacious and the staff have always been extremely helpful.
My son & I went in on the last day that the warranty was expiring on his Xbox360 (that Santa brought…) they helped trouble shoot it and determine that it would need to be sent to Microsoft for repair. The shipments for that day had already been picked up but they went ahead and processed it so that it would be covered under warranty and removed the hard drive to give back to us for safe keeping.
About a week or two later a refurbished unit was sent back the store as a warranty replacement and they re-​installed the hard drive and tested everything making my son and myself a happy customer.
He likes to go there to try out some of the games they have playing on the consoles in the store. But, that can backfire when he says «I want that game» especially when it is $ 59.95 lol… ebay here we come.

Brought in my 1-​year old laptop that I had purchased at their Westfield Mall store in San Francisco. The CM store is closer to my work so I took it in to have it sent to their service center to see if it could be repaired. They told me they’d get back to me within 48 hours. No word, so on day 3 I called them and came into the store. They told me they never sent my laptop to the service center as they were very backed up in the store, so instead they offered me a trade-​in. Selected another new laptop for the same price. I asked them to transfer my data. They said it would take «a few days». They also said they would install Microsoft Office. After 13 days and no word, I called them and went into the store. Some confusion as to whether my laptop was ready or not, but in the end it was. I finally got to take my new laptop home, only to discover that they never installed Microsoft Office. So now I’ve got to go back to the store again.
Nice people, but very disorganized and poor communication.

What a team in this store! I went in for a Windows10 upgrade and was very impressed with the customer service level and the competence of the staff. I wish I had gotten the name of the guy who did the upgrade which was top notch. Addy was a capable person to introduce me to the new OS. Quy (pronounced kwee) helped me resolve a couple of issues when drivers on my MSI computer proved incompatible with 10.
The store has an excellent array of laptops, gaming machines, monitors, software, etc. for sale and know their stuff.
Very enjoyable experience and I have NEVER said that before about an OS upgrade…

My review is based on a customer service experience I had with them recently: I had a wifi configuration issue with a new laptop I bought from them several weeks ago, so I came back to the store looking for some help me fix the problem.
I walked in and was greeted by a young man who offered to help me look at the issue. He took a look at my computer for a couple of minutes, but after fooling around with it and realizing that it was more complicated than he thought, he passed me over to the technician. The technician who saw me had an atrocious attitude, and my once positive impression of the Microsoft store is now ruined mainly because of her.
When she came over she rolled her eyes and didn’t even bother greeting me or introducing herself. She was probably irritated that she was called away from whatever she was fumbling with on her laptop in the back. I explained my problem to her and she began to take a look at the laptop, not bothering to explain what she was doing and acting annoyed when I asked her anything. The way she talked to me was condescending, and she acted like I was wasting her time. Her attitude was poor and she was anything but attentive and friendly.
I wouldn’t have given a damn about her poor attitude if she fixed the problem, but she didn’t. Instead of admitting that she didn’t know what was causing the problem, she just kept telling me to restart the computer every time wifi had issues. I already told her I couldn’t just restart the computer every time (the problem happened multiple times a day and restarting the computer wouldn’t necessarily fix the problem, it would only reboot the system until the problem happened again). In response, she said that I «better get used to restarting the laptop more often». Ridiculous! I may not be a computer expert, but I’ve worked with computers long enough to know that this is not just a restart-​and-​the-​problem-​will-​go-​away issue.
When I insisted that the problem was deeper than that, she told me to call the laptop’s manufacturer about it, because it «obviously wasn’t their [Microsoft] problem», then she just went back to the tables behind the counter and continued on on her laptop with a thank-goodness-I-don’t-have-to-deal-with-that-anymore” look.
This is not my first time being met with poor customer service in this Microsoft store. Though most of the staff are friendly, the several times I came in to see them about a Windows-​related problem, they either weren’t very knowledgeable about the issue or weren’t fully attentive to my concerns. However encountering that rude technician was the last straw. If you’re going in there to buy something that’s fine, but if you’re looking for HELPFUL customer service look elsewhere.
Maybe there’s a reason why this Microsoft store is always empty every time I pass by it. Maybe it ought to take a hint from its much more bustling and popular neighbor, the Apple Store. I have never been disappointed with Apple’s customer service for my Apple product-​related issues and, unlike the people at this Microsoft store, I am always impressed with how Apple employees treat my Apple problems like one of their own.

This place is great. There is always someone there to greet you, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and their tech staff is top notch. Every time I have gone in there I have gotten everything I needed and more. If you go, Ask for Dan B. He’s the best. He always knows exactly what to do and in terms of product knowledge from computers to games to phones– he is your man. I only wish he could work both sales and tech support at the same time. He needs a twin brother. Because of him I even signed up for the classes/​lessons they offer at the store. True story.

These guys really have their act together. I was (note the tense) a die-​hard Apple fan. Until Apple hosed me, along with everyone else, for the umpteenth time (compounded by their partner in douchebaggery, AT&T).
When I needed to upgrade my laptop, I thought I wanted a new MacBook Pro, or Air, which either of which would have set me back $ 2K+ with the configuration (and complexity) I would need to run software that *only* works on Windows. So I went from the long sheeple line at the Apple Store to the Microsoft Store like 100 yards away and got to try out their new Lenovo laptops. Which totally rock, by the way, and I got an excellent deal that even includes tech support and, get this, replacement of the machine for two years if I break it.
So, I get the machine home, reconfigure Windows 8 so it looks/​acts like Windows 7 (a ten minute exercise) and the thing works awesome. Cost me half the price of the Apple stuff, and I no longer have the smug factor to deal with when I need service.
Fast forward two weeks… I’m getting ready for a business trip to China. And I recall the utter nonsense AT&T pulled on me when I went to Australia (phone didn’t work there as was promised… though they did manage to bill for the service they failed to provide). So I contacted AT&T and asked them to unlock my phone so I could use a local Sim card on my upcoming trip. No dice. Unless I paid them $ 175 because I still have a few months left «on contract».
«Um, Hello, AT&T? I am an all-​you-​can-​eat iPhone customer since the day the damn things came out. And you really want/​need the $ 175 that much?»
Anyway, I researched things. And, yes, I could have done something sketchy and paid someone to unlock the phone surrepititiously, but that’s really not how I roll. So I looked into the various «factory unlocked» phones that are available, and decided on a Yezz Billy. Sure, I could have coughed up $ 600 for a «BlackPhone» or gotten one of the new OnePlus via mailorder, but what I realized what I really want is more integration with my desktop, to be able to tweak documents, spreadsheets, and slides, and to also have a place where I can get service (without making appts to see an Apple «Genius» who, more likely than not, knows less than I do about their products).
So, I go to the Microsoft Store, and right when I walk in I meet Justin, who knows his stuff cold. I got an awesome phone for a great price, and couldn’t be happier with it.
So, in a nutshell, the Corte Madera Microsoft Store’s awesome staff and excellent products converted me from Apple Fan Boy status to the «dark side» within a matter of a couple of weeks.
And I never had to stand in line, take a number, make an appointment, or deal with any buttheads. I also appear to not dislike the other shoppers at the Microsoft Store, but really the Apple Store in Marin is probably a mecca of sorts for entitled douchebags.
Oh, the best part? I’m going to so dump AT&T when I get back. Buh bye awful carrier. This boy is sticking with «uncarriers» from now on and saving big bucks.

Have to bump this down. Great place for information and most of the in-​store staff are great.
Unfortunately, at a high-​management level they make it really hard/​impossible to actually buy anything from them.
Biggest problem is the phone. If you call this store you will go to a national call center. They give out completely erroneous information from in-​store inventory, pricing, technical information. They also don’t tell you that they’re not at the store. If you insist — really insist and you may have to request a supervisor — they will connect you to the store but it will take 10 – 15 minutes for them to master the technology of transferring a phone call. This is really silly for them since the stores seem well to over-​staffed. There are always a few people just hanging out or doing not much at the store.
So when they tell you over the phone what you want is there and you drive all the way to the store to get it you’re just going to be a little pissed. They also told me an item I wanted wasn’t available at the store and it turned out it was.
Next the store management seems all over the place with policies that change by who helps you. I was sold on a 2-​in-​1 by the staff and the warranty was specified as a certain price, but the person who then rang me up charged me a higher warranty price. Then when I went back to get another they were perfectly happy to ring it up at that lower price. I didn’t feel so bad when I returned it all to the store after it was 30% less at an online store.
What is really frustrating too is the sales I get blasted in email. There is no way to know if these items are actually in-​stock for the in-​store only prices. I just wasted 40 minutes today going there to find out it was sold out.
Personally, I value my time too much and am unsubscribing from their communications. Maybe if I have a technical question sometime I’ll drop in for some free advice.

A Microsoft store apparently doesn’t carry windows PCs (at least not monitors). They also don’t know about parts for their Xbox. At least the Apple employees have a general understanding of what they’re selling.

R-​John helped me with my Windows phone. He is extremly knowedgeable and
is able to explain things very clearly and patiently. The staff at Microsoft are
very friendly and helpful. You will have a good experience there. I give it my top
rating!

One word, Christina! She embodies excellent customer service. I am in and have been in the customer service business for over 30 years, this woman was beyond superb. Her professionalism and courtesy seemed to come so naturally. Even though my husband and I were only purchasing an X-​box One controller, she made us feel important and that our business was important. I cannot recommend this store more highly and it’s because of one truly exceptional person. Thank you Christina for restoring my faith in the youth of America!

It is nice atmosphere and friendly costumer representatives. Kids Summer Camp is great opportunity for kids. Check it out.

Yes, the entire concept is a total Apple rip-​off so that doesn’t garner any points from me.
If you’re impressed that the place is less crowded than the Apple store, that’s because as hard as MS tries, they can’t beat Apple’s innovation or design details so you may wander in here hoping to be impressed, but it doesn’t take long to realize the real fun is happening someplace else.
And, I couldn’t be less impressed with the ‘help’ everyone here offers, almost in a stalking mode. You can’t look at something for 2 seconds before an MS zombie shows up to interrupt and offer to help, over and over no matter how many times you politely say you’re just looking. Then, when we finally do have a question, and a simple one at that — the question, is this Microsoft Wireless keyboard Bluetooth 4.0 compatible? No one, I mean no one, knows. The box doesn’t say, no one working in the store knows, even after Binging away to their heart’s content they can’t provide an answer.
Never setting foot in this place again.

I have returned broken Surface and replaced it with cheaper one.
Instead of crediting me back the difference, idiots have charged the difference to my card. When I called them, they have not been able to track down the error transaction.
If you do return stuff there: MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR BANK STATEMENT.
Cuz they may take your money instead of giving it back to you.

Yes, previous reviewers are right. This is a total rip-​off of an Apple store. Only imagine an Apple store that didn’t have many customers, so the people working there were actually anxious to help you. See? Not so bad, right?
Actually, the people working here are a little over-​anxious, probably because they don’t have a lot to do. That’s ok, I don’t mind the extra attention, especially since I only come here if I really need to find something.
The computer nerds here are of the nicer variety, anyway, and always more than willing to help.

I have gone to this location a couple of times and have been impressed each time I have been. The sales associates are very knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions.
The setup is definitely a rip off of an Apple Store (minus the crowds). If you are in the market for a Microsoft/​Windows product I would definitely check out this place.

I’m back… got the 1020 Nokia woohoo, and I am loving it. The kids love my phone, they all want one now. Just like the commercials, I don’t have to slap, jump, or punch any parents during my kids’ Shakespeare, talent show, or singing… I can sit in the back of the room and still get a high def snapshot LOL! No phone has 41 megapixels, this phone is totally awesome — flawless pictures. Thank you again Microsoft for your wonderful gadgets, we embrace them all. I will back for the Surface 2 laptops, Christmas is around the corner. Thank you for the dual case and battery backup, I don’t leave home without it.

I don’t care if this is a ‘copy’ of the Apple store. If one were to stand on that particular principle, there’d be no technology to be had, because every company derives from others. That’s partly why Apple and Samsung are embroiled in their insane lawsuits to this day, in fact.
Aside from that, what bugged me about this store? I was accosted by FOUR different reps from the instant I walked in. Hi, can I help you? Hi, what are you looking for? Are you look at this PC, because blah blah blah…
I should only have to say ‘I want to look around a bit’ to ONE person. And if I say it, that’s not an excuse to launch into a product spiel about the thing I happen to be looking at like you’re reading from a script so I can’t get a word in. Stalk much?
Also, stock more of the MS store items than JUST the primary Microsoft products. I was looking for some Samsung systems and there were none to be found. Maybe eschew that lovely ‘open space and glass’ hipster shtick for some actual shelves with actual product?
…That, and give your customers a second to BREATHE?
Needless to say, this place was a waste of a trip.

Grand opening day! This is the first time I’ve been to a Microsoft store. You don’t really see a lot of technology brand based stores; Apple seems to be the predominate ones around.
Came in, and to be honest, it looks quite similar to an Apple store. You got the Windows phone section (equivalent to iPhone), you got the Surface section (iPads), the PC section (iBooks or whatever the hell you call ‘em Apple products), and finally the accessory section. Oh, there is the Xbox section where you can see employees and guests playing with the Kinect, but I guess that’s a bit equivalent to the «genius bar.»
Employees are friendly, and they carry name tags that are again very similar to an retail Apple employee. What’s nifty is that underneath it are… their business cards. Let’s see, this guy’s title is a «Technical Advisor.» Oh, you mean someone who can answer questions? Couldn’t really give me a straight answer on whether the upcoming Windows 8 Phone can sync up to my Wins 7 PC as fluidly as a Wins 8 PC. He was seriously rambling around about Skydrive, Microsoft Office 2013 (wtf?), and then somehow got over to Surface. Yeah… oh and it’s spelled «AdvisEr» btw, at least according to Unilocal’s auto correct o. o
I took the Bing challenge two times, one time I chose Bing over Google 4 out of 5 times, then the 2^nd time I picked Google all 5 times haha. Either way, I got a nifty $ 25 store credit each time I took it, so got myself 4 free sexy looking 8gb flash drives. Good bye fat clunk on my keychain, hello nice little bump replacement. I swear it’s like dropping the soap every time you sit down with one of those fatass flash drives on your keychain.
I was genuinely impressed with Windows 8, and the Surface actually looked pretty sexy with the keyboard cover attachment. It’s actually pretty user friendly if you’re willing to open up to learning about it, though there are still definitely some minor bugs here and there that even the «advisors» had trouble with heh.
It’s interesting that you have cashiers floating around, and the tables w/​the demo products actually contains a receipt machine /​cash register underneath the table; there’s no cashier area. While this is an amusing sight, I wonder how they’ll ever deal with a «line» of customers who’s waiting to pay.
Finally, there was later a nice little concert with Kelly Clarkson. I really couldn’t give two fucks about that, but an employee there was nice enough to give me free wristbands to it. Went in, took another Bing challenge, got a T shirt, awww right., got my freebies, no need to hang around for the concert, time to get the FUCK outta here!