10-23-2002, 03:00 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Improving the Retail Experience
Jeff McKean, a marketing manager in the Mobile Devices division at Microsoft, is looking for a little feedback:
"We�re looking for your input on what types of software and hardware accessories you would like to see in retail stores; and what you like and what disappoints you when you go in to stores looking for Pocket PC-specific software and accessories. We know that many of you are very savvy shoppers and if you�re on this site, you�re interested in Pocket PCs�so your opinion is very important to us! For example, we�re looking for:
� Software that you think should be sold in retail stores
� Your favorite accessories that you can never find in a store
� How you would like your software delivered�CD, media card, etc.
� Any other help that you think we could provide to the retailers
Your advice will make a difference! Thank you!"
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10-23-2002, 03:18 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6
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Don't deliver software on SD cards, please.
IMHO...
I don't like software on SD cards. Almost everyone I know who has a PDA has a memory card inserted in that slot. I have lots of purchased software and books loaded on mine and it is impractical to remove this card to use a program stored on another card. The cards are too small, expensive, and easily lost to pack around when not in use.
The only SD card I want to carry around is the one that is inserted in my PDA. When I buy software, I load it onto my PDA or the storage card inserted in my PDA depending on how large it is.
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10-23-2002, 03:26 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 75
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Personally, I don't think PocktPC software should be in stores. Maybe there could be a KIOSK where the user could dock their PDA as guest and install some software (maybe with the assistance of a sales person). Essentially, this KIOSK would have affiliated links to places like Handago or PocketGear.
The reason for this is because most PocketPC software should be tried before purchased. Most software for these devices are also fairly simple/self-explanitory so paper documentation is not so important either.
I wish there were more cases in the stores. I want to be able to slide my iPAQ with sleeve into the case and see how easy it is to use (headphones, CF/SD cards, sync).
/ mike
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10-23-2002, 03:33 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 122
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Definately cases... the OEM cases are usually not the best ones. It would be great to be able to actually SEE a case before buying it. Case purchases are such a personal thing that it would be great to get the chance to touch it and try it first.
I also agree that software on flash cards is a waste. I like the idea of the in-store location that you could download, try, and purchase but it could be an expensive thing to set up.
How about getting e-books out there? What happened to being able to go to Barnes and Noble or Borders and download e-books from the store? This would add great exposure to the e-book format and PPCs. I think A LOT of people would get really excited over e-books if they knew more about them... especially on the PPC platform.
Thanks for taking the time to listen!
__________________
If it can't be done with XS, then it shouldn't be done at all!!!
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10-23-2002, 03:41 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 534
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I tend to not buy software in stores anymore. I much prefer electronic distribution. I've never purchased Pocket PC software from a brick-and-mortar store. Even with periferals, such as keyboards, I'll usually download the latest version of the driver or other software from the manufacturer's web site rather than use the included CD.
I do have a couple of suggestion for retailers. First, train the people on the devices they are selling. Very few people I've dealt with at retailers can tell you the differences between a Toshiba e310, an HP iPaq 3950, a Palm Zire, and a Sunbeam 2-Slice Toaster.
Secondly, make sure that the people working the PDA section keep the devices displayed nicely and in working order. All it would take is ten minutes every couple of hours to straighten up the area, make sure the devices are plugged in, turned on and working, and reset the devices to the start screen.
Lastly, set up the display so that people can pick up the device. A PDA is a personal purchase. People want to feel the things in their hands. Having your PDA selection securely bolted to the counter doesn't encourage exploration!
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10-23-2002, 03:48 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 252
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Hmmm... Microsoft Store
I can't think of anything I have bought for my PPC in a retail store, however:
- Machines - the whole range of machines in a decent side by side display so I can do my own comparison - is the 3900 Ipaq screen that much better than the e740 (prefereably with all the machines actually charged etc. and make sure you get them early.
- Cases - I'll have a comprehensive range of cases that I can touch and feel.
- Software - The only software I have bought on CD are from Tom Tom. Routplanner I could have downloaded but Street planner I wanted all the maps and the download may be have been excessive. Definitely like the kiosk idea. Although I have BB a lot of people don't so the possibility of downloading and automatically installing (and perhaps also burning to CD/floppy) would be welcome.
- Media - really like software but ebooks and movies would be good. Streaming media would also be cool within the shop.
- Accessories - not much of an issue here but I would like to be able to actually try some of the more complex - have a screen linked to a Voyager card so you can see the quality and speed of the display etc. Oh and comprehensive as you can make it.
- Plush Steve and Bill - experience the joy of owning your own cuddly multi-billionaire. 
Drag people in by providing a WIFI hotspot,coffee (starbucks please) and sofas.
Now the killer make prices as cheap as my favourite Internet supplier and put it at the end of my street.
I presume we're not thinking of this as a soley a retail operation but as much a showcase about the platform as anything so make it funky and make the environment as impressive as the product.
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10-23-2002, 04:07 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,023
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I work at the local Staples, in store Pocket PC software/hardware is a joke. The prices are much much higher than over the internet, and the selection is incredibly small. They're trying to fix an impossible problem. It will be a very long time before retail pocket pc software can match up to someplace like Handango. Pocket PC software is wide open right now to any developer, not just the big names. Retailers will never be able to match internet prices on hardware.
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First, train the people on the devices they are selling. Very few people I've dealt with at retailers can tell you the differences between a Toshiba e310, an HP iPaq 3950, a Palm Zire, and a Sunbeam 2-Slice Toaster.
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The typical problem... customers think we get some sort of ultra secret salesman schooling. Folks, we don't. They don't tell us a thing. Best you can hope for is someone like me who enjoys this kinda thing in their normal lives. Fact is, training wouldn't help. The retail price is probably going to be at least $100 over the net price. If you need me to tell you the difference between a Ipaq and a Zire, and you're thinking of buying it retail, you probably don't really need to know the specs anyway.
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Secondly, make sure that the people working the PDA section keep the devices displayed nicely and in working order. All it would take is ten minutes every couple of hours to straighten up the area, make sure the devices are plugged in, turned on and working, and reset the devices to the start screen.
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I wish you knew how much time I spend doing that every day, until little jhonny comes along and pulls every single machine off the wall, writes on it with his crayon, and loses the stylus. As for non working machines, we can't fix that. We don't have a supply of new batteries and we can't pull out a new unit every time Billy Bob drops our display.
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Lastly, set up the display so that people can pick up the device. A PDA is a personal purchase. People want to feel the things in their hands. Having your PDA selection securely bolted to the counter doesn't encourage exploration!
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I wish ours was bolted. You really don't absolutely need to hold a PDA, just use it.
Sure, it's not quite the same, but it'll help solve your last complaint.
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10-23-2002, 04:21 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 168
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I've purchased everything above online and probably will continue to do so but what I would like to see in a retail store would be side by side PocketPCs I can pick up and cases. Lots and lots of cases. I've had my current PPC for a few months now and have yet to find a good case that fits with a WiFi CF card inserted.
OF course, stuff like extra stylus packs, emergency chargers, and type of power adapter would be nice to find in a retail store. Not that I would necessarily buy it there,... only in case of emergencies.
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10-23-2002, 04:30 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 97
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In my part of the country, all I usually see is a tiny section with the PocketPC itself, some cases and memory cards. Then look to the side and see a very large section with Palm related hardware, accessories & software... usually twice to ten times the amount.
I guess I make my purchases online because there is no other choice.
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10-23-2002, 04:35 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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An IR kiosk that is in partnership with Handango so the .CAB file can be beamed to your device on the spot and it could burn the .CAB and the full blown desktop installer on a CD right there for you for an additional small charge or emailed to you from the kiosk. It would even allow you to get a trial version right there on the spot that could be purchased later.
Pick the top items, like Agenda Fusion/Pocket Informat PIMs, more powerful backup software, File Explorer replacements, databases, today plugins, etc. Even some freeware. Find the big sellers at Handango and make those work.
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