You know those “I’m a PC” commercials?
I always thought they were cute. And clever.
But not for me.
Meaning, I’m a Mac girl — all the way.
But then I ventured into the new Microsoft Retail Store in Overland Park — and I’ll be honest, I can see them winning me over. Especially their new Surface tablet, but more on that below.
(By the way, I went to the store in Overland Park, KS, because that’s where I live – but there are more than 50 stores all over the United States. You can find one near you HERE).
Microsoft Retail Stores
The space itself is fantastic. It’s open, bright, friendly — a technological wonderland.
There are demo stations with the latest and greatest in Microsoft gadgetry — the Surface, desktop & laptop computers, the Xbox 360 (with a huge library of games to play) and their full line of smartphones, including the fantastic Windows phone.
The store is completely child-friendly; I took my boys and they spent 3o minutes playing MLB 2K13 on the biggest screens they’d ever seen. (I continue to be awed by the graphics of the XBox.)
The staff was incredibly hands-on and helpful — including teaching my nine year-old a hack he never knew for setting up his team. (Which apparently was “the coolest thing” ever for said 9 year-old.)
Classes & Camps
In the back of each store there is an open class room/ event space, where Microsoft Retail Store employees host weekly classes about everything tech under the sun. There are educational workshops, business events, developer workshops, interactive gaming sessions, and toddler tech time. And all of them are FREE.
There are even FREE summer camps for tots and big kids. And yes, I did sign up my 9 year old for a week-long camp on programming your own video game (G-d help me!).
I also learned that Microsoft Retail Stores will design & host your event – whether it’s for a homeschool group, a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troupe, a youth group, a lunch-and-learn… Whatever you can dream up, I think you’ll hear a “Yes!”
You can even host a birthday party at the Microsoft Store (and yes, that’s FREE, too).
Find out more about classes, camps & events at your local Microsoft Retail store HERE.
Support & Training
If you already own a Microsoft device, you may want to take advantage of their free one-on-one product training & support sessions.
Whether your issue is hardware or software, or you just want to learn how to take full advantage of all the capacity your gadget comes with, they can walk you through it. Even if you didn’t buy your laptop/X-box/phone/tablet at their store — they will help you! (And yes, it’s FREE, too.)
The Surface
So of all the gadgets in the store, the one that really had me singing a new tune was the Surface. Have you seen this tablet yet? For a Mac girl, I was totally WOW’ed.
It answers all the hesitations I’ve had about getting a tablet — you see, I have feared that a tablet won’t give me enough capabilities. And that I’ll just end up using my laptop anyway, while the kids played games on the tablet (which seems like way too much money to spend on a “toy” for them.)
But the Surface Pro is essentially a tablet-sized laptop. (Or should that be a laptop-capable tablet?)
And I’m not gonna lie, the keyboard that clicks onto the Surface? So cool. (The pretty keyboard colors are nice eye candy, too.)
The apps are also amazing. No, you don’t have the whole ipad app store at your disposal (which is the only downside I see), but you get incredible things like Fresh Paint. Even my seven year-old “art project-averse” kid got into it!
As I said, I was definitely impressed. And because I think you’ll be impressed too, I am thrilled to be able to give away a $100 Microsoft Retail Store Gift Card to one lucky Kosher on a Budget reader.
Here’s how to enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite tech gadget – Microsoft or otherwise. This comment is required to be entered to win this giveaway.
For up to four additional entries, you may do one, some, all or none of the following:
Like Kosher on a Budget on Facebook, then come back and leave a separate comment telling me that you have done so. If you already like KOAB, thank you — just leave a comment to that effect.
Subscribe to the Kosher on a Budget Newsletter for a once daily dose of the best deals, money-saving tips and more. Please leave a separate comment that you have subscribed (or were already a subscriber).
Like Microsoft Retail Stores on Facebook, then leave a separate comment to let me know you have done so.
Follow Microsoft Retail on Twitter, then leave a separate comment to let me know you have done so.
This giveaway is open only to residents of the United States who are 18 or older. Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, May 22nd at 11:59 p.m. CST (I’m giving you plenty of time to enter, since Shavuot is in the middle of next week). The winner will be selected randomly and notified by email immediately. He or she will have 48 hours to respond. Good luck!
Disclosure: This post is a sponsored conversation by The Motherhood and Microsoft Retail Stores. You can find Microsoft Retail stores on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
My glowingly positive opinions of the store and the Surface are all my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations. And also because I want you to know. For more information about sponsored content, please see my Disclosure Statement.
Now I’m interested in training for my work group! Thanks!
I love my android phone. haven’t tried surface yet, maybe i will soon after this review!
I like you on facebook as amanda sakovitz
My favorite tech device is my Samsung Galaxy Player that my husband got for my birthday.
I already liked you on facebook (so happy I did!)
I already get the newsletter- and love it.
im a newsletter subscriber
My favorite tech gadget is my ipod Touch. I have already liked Koab on Facebook long ago.
I love my iPad (I have a stationary and invitation business and I am able to do the majority of the work on the iPad)
I really like my netbook.
My iPad is great, but I have a windows phone and I think it’s a great phone!
I “like” KOAB on Facebook already
We’re not really a tech family so I guess my favorite tech gadget is my laptop. My husband likes to refer to us as a mixed marriage; I’m a mac user, he’s a pc user 🙂
And I already like your FB page 🙂
I like my HP Touchpad, mainly because my brother-in-law hacked it and put on an Android OS. I’ve basically retired by netbook, and only occasionally use my husband’s laptop for things that are inconvenient on the tablet, like making photo gifts.
I already like you on FB 🙂 Linda Rosenberg Minkow
I also get your newletter at a different email address, though this was the one I used for the Pesach updates. Go figure.
Samsung s3 phone
Liked on fb
Subscribe to ur newsletter
Favorite is my iphone!
I like you on Facebook
I enjoy sooo many tech gadgets… from I-Pad to Microsoft products in my laptop!
I subscribe to the newsletter
I like your page on facebook!
i like my blackberry bold with touch screen
I’m a total Mac girl as well but the surface had totally peaked my interest
My laptop – nothing fancy, just a plain old laptop. Mainly one day I’ll have something more exciting. $100 to Microsoft might help with that 🙂
Already liked on facebook!
Already like you on Facebook
I like my Samson Infuse phone
I already get your newsletter too
i just got a lenovo ideapad. I love it!
I’d be Lost without my iPhone! (Sorry, Microsoft!)
I like KOAB on facebook 🙂
I don’t have one yet, but I sure would love an ipad mini. Pondering getting something comparable in droid.
I am already a facebook fan
I am already a newsletter subscriber
I love the I phone
I ‘like’ KOAB on FB
I subscribe to daily KOAB newsletter
I already like koab on fb. My favorite gadget is trixie my iphone
. My favorite gadget is trixie my iphone
my iphone
I like you on facebook
My favorite tech gadget is the iPod Touch.
It’s my mac.
I like Kosher on a Budget on Facebook.
I Subscribe to the Kosher on a Budget Newsletter
I love my Kindle!
I already get your newsletter.
My favorite tech gadget is my PC laptop
I like Microsoft Retail Stores on Facebook as Elena Istomina
I like you on Facebook as Elena Istomina
Newsletter subscriber
I’m not surprised that your son got into painting. Tablets are the way to go for student motivation!!
My laptop!
I like you on fb
I get the KOAB email newsletter
ipad
Ok too hard to narrow down to one but if I had to, it would be my Kindle. It goes everywhere with me. If I find myself parked in front of my son’s school a few minutes too early for pickup I just read a bit 🙂
My tablet and iPhone both come in close behind though!!!
I love you on FB 🙂
I get your newsletter already!
Following Microsoft Retail on twitter!
Favorite tech gadget – my Kindle.
I like you on facebook
I subscribe to your email
I like you on FB and I love my laptop.
I like my acer laptop
I Like Kosher on a Budget on Facebook(Kelly D Saver)
I Subscribe to the Kosher on a Budget Newsletter under kellywcuATyahooDOTcom
I Like Microsoft Retail Stores on Facebook(Kelly D Saver)
I Follow Microsoft Retail on Twitter(Kellydsaver)
My favorite tech gadget is my iPhone!
Love my iPhone!
Get your daily digest email!
I like you on FB!
My favorite tech gadget is my android phone…can’t live without it!
I subscribe to your email list!
I am a facebook fan of KOAB!
I liked the MS Store on facebook!
Like my Android Phone
I like KOAB on FB
I subscribe to KOAB Newsletter
My pc i have sleay,s” been a windows guy!
My favorite is my iPhone. I also subscribe to your newsletter & like KOAB on Facebook.
I use a pc
I subscribe to KOAB newsletter
I subscribe to KOAB on FB
I used to love my Iphone but since it’s broken, I’m looking for a new gadget to love, preferably a tablet.
liked already!!!!
my andriod cell 🙂
i just subscribed to your newsletter.. please dont email me too many cool deals, my credit card is holding a protest right now 😉
oooh and this all started by liking you on fb… which totally rocks!!!
Thanks for the heads up!! love following you on facebook and getting these awesome updates 🙂
At the pediatric ER at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in NYC, the waiting room is equipped with a bunch of big Surface stations, loaded up with games for kids to play while waiting to be admitted. My husband and I actually had a hard time trying to unlock the screensaver, but it was super cool and great idea!
They all look good in the beginning, but as they get older they start gathering errors to the point of needing to buy a new one of whatever it is. Having said that, laptop or desktop remain my favories
love my iphone. i subscribe to your newsletter and have liked you for a long time on fb.
I love our ipad but have never been a “Mac person”
I like KOAB on fb
I subscribe to KOAB enewsletter
I follow Microsoft retail on Twitter
My favorite gadget is my Ipad, have to admit it!!
Don’t have a favorite gadget – I never use any ;).
Already subscribe
for sure my laptop
I love my ipad!
I already subscribe to the kosher on a budget newsletter
I already like kosher on a budget on facebook
I love my laptop it’s heavy and not convenient. Undecided to either get and iPad orsurface but now I’m leaning twds the surface.
I love my iPad but the most useful product is Microsoft office and I love the touch pad kids gaming table at their Seattle store.
I liked kosher on a budget
I subscribe!
i love my iphone, even though its only a 3
Done done done and done – I want a surface!
My favorite tech gadget is my tablet. I have a Nexus but would love the new Surface.
I really like Kosher on a Budget. (and want a Surface)
I subscribe already (and want a gift card)
My favorite tech gadget is my Xbox!
I like KoaB on FB: Katie Contests
I like Microsoft on FB: Katie Contests
I follow Microsoft on twitter: @katiecontestsii
I am in love with my smartphone. Although my GPS is a close second.
I love my iphone and ds’s ipad mini.
I already like you on Facebook.
i love my iphone 🙂
and i like your page on facebook!
Favorite gadget? virtual laser keyboard (Google it. It’s awesome, if impractical.)
I now like you on Facebook.
I already subscribe to your newsletter under a different address ([email protected])
I like the MS store on facebook
and follow them on Twitter
I like the microsoft tablets!!!
my favorite high tec device is probably the xbox 360 or a desktop.
I Like Kosher on a Budget as June Lisle on Facebook.
I am a confirmed email subscriber 🙂
I Like the Microsoft Store on Facebook as June Lisle.
I follow @MicrosoftStore on Twitter as @Battle_Cry87.
My favorite gadget is my phone!
I already like you on FB.
I already subscribe.
I like Microsoft on FB.
My iphone 4s even though I don’t have phone service on it so essentially it’s an ipod touch.
FB liker
newsletter subscriber
liked them on FB
following on twitter
My favorie tech gadget is my iPad, but I would love to try out the Microsoft Surface.
Love my windows phone
Love my ipad mini
I like smartphones. Wish I had one!!
My favorite tech gadget is my HP Pavillion Notebook
I like Microsoft Stores on facebook
my kindle fire
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
email subscriber
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
like microsoft on facebook: michelle b
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
like on facebook: michelle b
love my iphone, but I have windows 8 on my computer!
favorite tech gadget(s): samsung galaxy 3 phone and Kindle Fire HD….cant wait to try the surface!
My favorite gadget is my iPad. It is very handy to use when I am on the road.
I like Microsoft Store on Facebook as Nancy Hall
I am following Microsoft Store on Twitter as njhhb.
I like my Dell computer
I like you on FB as Thomas Murphy
im a newsletter subscriber
I like microsoft on FB as Thomas Murphy
i follow microsoft on twitter @thomasmurphy40
I love (and Liked) KOAB on FB
I get KOAB newsletters
I liked the Microsoft FB page
My labtop!
*Laptop – sorry for the typo 🙂
I already like Kosher On A Budget on facebook
I follow Microsoft on twitter
Like Microsoft on Facebook
I like both my iPad and iPhone!
I guess my fav gadget is my kindle fire. I think it is my only gadget. 😉
Already subscribe to newletter
Already like KOAB!
Already liked KOAB!
I like kosher on a budget
Already subscribe to KOAB
I love your blog. Open minded re Microsoft. Thank you.
I love the Kindle Fire.
Liked on Facebook
subscribed to newsletter
we only buy microsift, so would be able to put this to great use.
and thank you for saving me so much money following your amazing tips!
Already subscribe to KOAB, and love it!
Hi
I love the KOAB emails that I receive already!
I just got a Windows phone how cool!
I subscribe to your newsletter, and recommend it to all family and friends.
Already like KOAB in Facebook
My favorite gadget right now is the iPad, I needed to get it for school and its been great!
Im not a big fan of apple products, but the iPad works really well for school … and games!
Already subscribe to daily newsletter
I like the kindle fire, wish i had one!
I just liked KOAB on facebook!
I Liked Microsoft Retail Stores on Facebook
I love my iPad.
I like KOAB on facebook
I subscribe to KOAB by email
my husband is a big apple fan…but buys other companies ie microsoft for his employer….
this giftcard would open hiiim to check out microsoft new store!!
love your blog and i dont follow much1
As I am old enough to remember landline only days, I don’t know how we lived without cell phones. I really enjoy my cellphone.
I liked the facebook page of microsoft.
I already to subscribe to KOAB newsletter.
I already “like” (actually love…lol) your fb page and also subscribe to the newsletter. The Microsoft Store looks amazing and the tablet sounds awesome! Off to like the Microsoft STore fb page! Be back soon!
I’m a total Mac girl mac book all the way …. but the surface had totally peaked my interest
I am a newsletter subscriber
I Like Kosher on a Budget on Faceboo
Also “liked” the Microsoft Store page on fb!
I really love my LG android phone. I REALLY love koab! I’m a big fan. Thanks!
I Liked Microsoft Retail Stores on Facebook
I’m a subscriber
I am not a tech girly at all but my man is. I like my smart phone
I really like the used IPAD a friend sold to me for 100 but I am looking to get a new phone and maybe thinking Microsoft!
I subscribe to the KOAB newsletter
I like KOAB on facebook already!
I “LIKE” Microsoft store on Facebook too!
My favorite piece of technology is my iPhone- it gives me direction like a GPS, keeps my calendar, I can read my emails, etc!
I (already -yay) subscribe to kosher on a budget!!
I inherited my husband’s old Kindle when he bought a new one. I love how portable it is.
Im quite fond of my little droid 3, with its little slide out keyboard. Its the only thing I own from this decade!
Im a happy subscriber to your newsletter!
My favorite tech item is my laptop (lenovo).
I already like KOAB on facebook
I already get KOAB newsletters
blackberry
I don’t know how I survived without an iphone for so long- I use it for everything!
KOB facebook fan
KOAB newsletter subscriber
microsoft retail twitter follower @aahaft
I love my kindle.
I love koab on fb.
Love my kindle
I’m a Microsoft junkie 🙂
already get the newsletter and am always eagerly excited to get in on the latest
I’m a KOAB fan on facebook; I like it; I dig it!
facebook fan of Microsoft, done and done!
I love my iphone but I also like Microsoft products
I subscribe to your newsletters.
I love my IPhone.
I like my ipod, but I’m due for an upgrade! 😉
I “like” KOAB on Facebook
I subscribe to the KOAB newsletter
I “liked” the Microsoft Retail Store on Facebook
I followed the Microsoft Store on Twitter.
I love my ipad
I like koab on FB
I subscibe to koab newsletter