Get The Gift Of Gadget Training

Microsoft opened its 14th location this month in Tysons Corner Center, joining Apple and Sony in providing full-service stores that offer computer systems, accessories, the Xbox 360 gaming console, software, phones and probably most importantly the assistance of specialized staff.

What makes these stores so valuable is that you get a higher level of service than what is available from retailers.

Apple has the “Genius Bar” which provides advice and repair information on all of its products. Customers can walk into any Apple store and get assistance or make an appointment to get one-on-one service. The stores serve as both a showroom and a service department. When you purchase a new Apple computer at a retail store or online, you have the opportunity to purchase a year of its one-to-one personal training for $99. Want help making an iMovie or mixing an audio track? Apple staff can help.

The Sony Style store at Tysons also has both showroom and service capabilities. Sony's stores include television and audiovisual products and the Playstation gaming line-up. The company’s one-on-one training is available for $39.99 for 30 minutes and $69.99 for 60 minutes of training on any of its products on display. This includes how to use advanced features on a top-of-the-line camcorder; you know the ones that you often pay for, but never use?

The new guy on the block, Microsoft, will also train you on any device in the store. General questions are answered by sales staff, but you can purchase one-on-one personal training. The price for up to 52 weekly sessions in a year is $99 with the purchase of a computer, $149 without or $49 for an hour of personal training. What is especially useful about Microsoft training is that this includes their Office suite programs such as Excel or SharePoint. I asked if it covered personalized Xbox training so that a Dad can keep up with his teenager on some of popular titles, and was assured that it could be done.

So, even if you don't have a new computer or another gadget on your shopping list, maybe the best gift is for some of this training so you can get the most out of your investment. And as a gift for someone who might rely on you for all of their computer support, perhaps a year of personalized training will be the gift that gives back to you some precious free time.