First port of call was the Microsoft Visitors Centre in Redmond, located in the Microsoft campus. We followed the instructions on the Microsoft website, which were great except on one line it said "left" turn when it should have said "right" turn.
Getting a park was very easy. We wandered in and found it a rather empty inside, a large reception desk and long wide corridors. The only area we could access was the visitor centre, and the store opposite.
The visitor centre showcased many historical products, and their modern equivalent in the Microsoft world. Examples are Atari 2600 console (now XBox360) and Video Cassette Recorder (now Windows Media Centre).
The coolest thing they had on display was an original Altair 8800. This computer was where it all started for Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Amazing what they saw in this array of lights and switches back in the day.
The remainder of the visitors centre was a slick, but ultimately quite boring, showcase of many current Microsoft products. Largely dominated by Kinnect, and large touch screens used as a giant tablet. It would have been nice to see some "museum" type items such as original IBM PC running DOS, older versions of Windows, etc. Instead we might as well have been in a snazzy retail store.
We went across to the shop, full of pricy Microsoft t-shirts and junk for your office desk. The only area we couldn't enter was where their software is for sale, this was open to employees only. No photos allowed of this section either! Oh yes we wanted in.... Error 5 Access denied. Helen bought a t-shirt that says "I visited Microsoft and all I got was this t-shirt". Too true.
Outside, the campus is beautiful, with well groomed trees and flags everywhere. Currently they are promoting Surface and Windows 8.
It's no coincidence we're here today. Today is worldwide launch day for the Surface tablet, and Windows 8. We drove past 1 Microsoft Way" and on the sports field alongside, there was a giant marquee being set up, obviously party time tonight at Microsoft.
Next we made our way to Bellevue Square, which is a massive and very modern shopping mall, in Bellevue, not far from Redmond. Traffic was a nightware and finding a park took some time.
In here, there is a Microsoft store. The first we've ever seen. Here, there was a queue for people to purchase Surface tablets. The wait was a couple of hours. Everyone in the line was fumbling with their phones, no doubt twittering about their anticipated purchases.
We got to play with the surface in store. Actually not bad once you get to experience it for yourself. Apparently thousands of other store visitors came away with a similar impression
I purchased a Windows 8 media package. After me questioning thoroughly, two staff members confirmed it was a full install retail pack. Later, while we sat to have drinks, I used free WiFi on my trusty iPhone to research what I had purchased. It turned out I didn't get what I had wanted. I went back to get a refund and another staff member confirmed that full retail packs are not available yet. I had purchased an upgrade. What a poor experience that was, given it was launch day I would have thought the staff would know their stuff.
Not worn out yet, we walked the mall and Helen found herself a new carry on suitcase.
The remainder of the day consisted of driving back to Lynwood, driving around for the fun of it, and later having dinner. We will get a small sleep in tomorrow morning, then head into Seattle city centre.
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