Apple Store050

It seems like there's always someone shopping, browsing, playing, or chatting in the Apple Retail Store. When you walk in, you're greeted by a Concierge who can direct you to the techie person or hands-on iPod, iPhone, computer, or other "toy" to play with. Got a problem with an Apple product? Visit with the folks behind the Genius Bar at the back of the store (you typically need to make an appointment for these guys - you can do that from home via the website, or on one of the demo computers in the store). They really are amazing. Positioned next to the Genius Bar is a low table just for kids. It's stocked with computers loaded with kid-friendly software, but kids don't sit on chairs - they sit on giant rubber balls (!) while they play games. PC types, beware - your kids may start begging for a Mac, to go with their iPods... If you've got music-loving, tech-savvy teens, call and ask when the next "Garage Band Workshop" is scheduled. Participants can learn to create songs using pre-recorded professional loops and effects, or record from a keyboard or guitar directly into a Mac, and then mix it. (Musical experience not required; earplugs not included.)