Can you believe that I have a windows laptop and I've used a few windows phones here and there, but I really didn't know much about the Microsoft Store?! That all changed after I joined The Online Mom for a mini tour of the Microsoft Store in NYC's Time Warner Center!

Note: I was invited as media to this event and received the Surface 2 from Online Mom Media. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.


The first thing I noticed about the Microsoft Store Pop-Up in Time Warner Center is how open it is. No closed off or enclosed areas. This makes it easy to walk around and see the different products. It also makes it easy for the store staff to interact with customers.


During our tour, our group met with this locations manager, who gave us an awesome and detailed demo of some of the products you can find in the Microsoft Stores including:


The new Surface Pro 3, which is a great tablet for anyone who wants to get stuff done quickly and efficiently.


I was really impressed with the many ways The Surface Pro 3 helps you to multitasking including side-by-side windows, the easy connection and text conversion between the Surface Pen and OneNote, the multi position kickstand, and multi USB ports for easy connection to your mouse or to download files.


I also had a chance to check out the features of the Xbox One, which features amazing gaming abilities and better integration with the Kinect sensor as well as the the ability to use voice commands and gestures to navigate the console's user interface.


After learning so much about the store and their devices, I joined the group for a lunch. During the lunch there was a giveaway for a Microsoft Store gift card. And guess who won! I did!


So a few days later I returned to the Microsoft Stores to purchase a Surface 2. I have 2 upcoming media trips that I can really use the tablet for. I usually take my laptop but this seems like a great lighter option.


Back at the store the staff was once again very helpful. They helped make sure I knew how to set my Surface 2 tablet and gave me quick demos on how to use certain features I'd need during my trip. But this help wasn't just for me. Any customer can receive the same service, even after you purchase your Microsoft Stores device.

But devices and gaming aren't the only things Microsoft Stores has to offer customers and the community. The stores also offers services such as personal training, technical support, ongoing performance tuneups and more.

• Educational workshops - Learn how technology can make life easier. Whether in school, business or just looking to get a better grasp on the latest trends — specialists are dedicated to providing assistance where you need it.

• Business events - Complimentary educational workshops, informative seminars, and networking events that bring together business owners.

• Interactive gaming - Experience the best of Xbox One. As the creators of Xbox One + Kinect, Microsoft Stores host some pretty awesome gaming events. Don't miss their launch parties for some of the year's biggest releases or their ongoing Gamer Leagues.

To learn more about what Microsoft Stores has to offer, visit - www.microsoftstore.com