Latest news with #MicroCenter
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
I finally have tech geek paradise nearby, and I'm so excited
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority When it comes to buying the latest and greatest smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, and more, Americans have a pretty limited set of options for shopping in a physical retail store. Over the past 15 years, the number of stores focused exclusively on electronics has dwindled. Even Best Buy, the largest physical electronics retailer in the US, is struggling. One retailer, though, is bucking the trend by not only surviving, but thriving. That retailer is Micro Center, a small-ish company that caters to hardcore tech geeks rather than the general tech consumer. When I lived in New Haven, Connecticut (where I spent most of my life), my nearest Micro Center was in Brooklyn, New York, which was quite the hike. However, it was always a worthwhile trip, for reasons I'll explain in a bit. When I moved to California's North Bay area in 2022, though, I was dismayed to find only one Micro Center in the entire state: the location in Tustin, more than eight hours away. Thankfully, the twenty-ninth Micro Center location just opened in Santa Clara, CA, a much more reasonable 90-minute drive from my house. On invitation from the company, I attended an early access opening of the store — and it was amazing. What is Micro Center? C. Scott Brown / Android Authority If you're a very old American, like me, you probably remember visiting a Radio Shack. In its heyday, it was one of the few places to get all manner of electronics and tech accessories, including hard-to-find items like uncommon batteries, unique adapters, and even soldering equipment. You probably also remember, though, that Radio Shack stores were cramped, disorganized, and staffed by unsupportive workers. Radio Shack went bankrupt in 2015. Decades before Radio Shack folded, a few guys who worked for the company saw its problems early and knew they could fix them. They left their Radio Shack jobs and started Micro Center, determined to create a welcoming space catered directly to tech-savvy consumers. Today, in 2025, Micro Center is one of the most respected and lauded privately owned retailers in the US. Micro Center was started by former Radio Shack employees determined to make a store by tech nerds and for tech nerds. The secret sauce for Micro Center is made up of two pillars. The first, and most integral, is knowledgeable staff. If you're a frequent reader of sites like Android Authority and have ever visited a Best Buy, you likely have experienced that company's biggest problem, which is that you, the customer, know more about the tech than the employees. That's not likely to be the case at Micro Center. Just like you and me, the people on staff in all its stores know their stuff. If you've never experienced it, I can assure you that it's quite the thrill to ask a tech question during a purchase and have someone who actually knows what they're talking about answer. The second pillar of Micro Center's success is that it understands and respects its customers. Rather than trying to appeal directly to the general tech consumer, Micro Center prioritizes being unabashedly nerdy. Yes, the general tech consumer — people who don't live and breathe tech but still need to buy a phone, laptop, TV, etc. — are more than welcome in Micro Center stores. But people who are passionate about tech are what Micro Center focuses on, and everything it does — store layouts, product categories, service offerings, etc. — always keeps that consumer category in mind. In other words, it's a store created by tech nerds for tech nerds. It's like a store made specifically for me C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Since I work at Android Authority, you know I love smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and all the other things we regularly cover here. However, I'm into tech-related stuff that we rarely talk about. I built my own gaming PC, for example (4090 gang, represent). I also have a Plex server, am very into smart home tech, and dabble in flying drones. I'm also a content creator, so I have a growing collection of tools for that, including cameras, lights, microphones, and more. Micro Center carries products related to all of these categories — and much, much more. In addition to everything I've already mentioned, Micro Center also has TVs, computer monitors, laptops, 3D printers (and filament for those printers), repair tools, board games, mechanical keyboards — the list goes on and on. It is a paradise for anyone passionate about a tech-related hobby. Regarding common tech categories, Micro Center has a distinct advantage in that it usually has a broader selection than most other stores. Just look at the laptop section of the Santa Clara store above. That is way more selection than you'll see in any Best Buy, Costco, Target, etc. For the less common categories, Micro Center is likely one of the very few physical retail stores to carry them. For example, in the US, it's not easy to buy a Raspberry Pi without doing so online. However, Micro Center has them, along with tons of add-ons, kits, and STEM-related tools to use with one. Likewise, if your laptop battery dies and you need an immediate replacement, you'll probably need to order online and wait for it to be shipped. At Micro Center, though, there's a whole wall of batteries you can run in and grab and be back up and running in no time. Need the proper tools to do that repair? Micro Center has them, too. Don't want to do the repair yourself? The service center is the first thing you see when you walk into the store, and it has an open-air design, so you can see the technicians doing their jobs. All of this makes Micro Center convenient, but what really makes it a joyous experience is the physicality of it all. I love being able to touch tech before I buy it C. Scott Brown / Android Authority When I was doing my most recent gaming PC build, I knew I wanted a new case. I have limited space in my small house, though, so it needed to fit within precise dimensions. Of course, I also wanted it to look cool and provide the necessary features. During this process, I did all this research — and the final purchase — online, and the first time I actually saw the case in person was when it arrived at my home. This works, but is certainly far from ideal. At Micro Center, though, I could have seen and touched the case before purchasing it. What's more, I could have compared the case to my current one to see the difference in size while also comparing it to cases from other brands. Given that very few physical retailers sell PC cases, Micro Center is one of the only places I could have gone to experience this. Micro Center knows the value of being able to see and touch something before buying it. That's just one example, but there are literally dozens more. Where else can you go to clack on a dozen different keyboards from multiple manufacturers to figure out which one feels and sounds the best? Where else can you pick from over a thousand filament colors to get the precise look you want for your next 3D printing project? Where else can you compare 50 laptops to one another, touch twenty desk microphones, hold dozens of Android phones, and even sit in a racing sim rig to see what that feels like? You can do all of this and more at Micro Center. Ultimately, the only real problem I have with Micro Center is that it's not everywhere. The company has opened three stores in the past year, which is a lot, but it still seems like a tiny portion of Americans have one within a two-hour drive. After all, the company has been around for nearly 50 years, and this is only its twenty-ninth store! I can only hope that this new Santa Clara location bolsters the company's success, and it continues expanding to more areas. For myself, though, I'm already dreaming about my next tech purchase happening in person while I chat with a fellow tech geek about it. I've missed those days.
Business Journals
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Popular tech chain returns to Silicon Valley after 13-year hiatus
Columbus Ohio-based technology store Micro Center opened a new Silicon Valley location in Santa Clara, 12 years after it departed the area. Neal Waters
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
HP OmniBook 5 series laptops promise unbelievable battery life at a $799 starting price
The new HP OmniBook 5 series might be the best value laptops of the year. Unveiled during Computex 2025, these Snapdragon X machines promise unbelievable battery life, strong performance, and AI features. Best of all, the OmniBook 5 series laptops start at $799. Getting into specifics, HP announced the OmniBook 5 14 and OmniBook 5 16, which are 14- and 16-inch laptops, respectively. Available configurations will utilize the entry-level Snapdragon X and Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processors, making them AI laptops capable of running AI tasks on-device. And like last year's OmniBooks, these laptops will be thin and light devices tailor-made to take around your home or across the world. HP OmniBook 5 14 Price (starting) $799 Display 14-inch, 1920 x 1200, OLED CPU Up to Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 8-core GPU Qualcomm Adreno Graphics RAM Up to 32GB Storage Up to 1TB Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 Dimensions 12.29 x 8.56 x 0.5 inches Weight 2.84 pounds (starting) The big story here is HP's claim of 34-hour battery life. The longest-lasting laptop we've tested is the Dell XPS 13 with Snapdragon X Elite, which lasted for an incredible 19 hours and 41 minutes in our battery test. We'll have to test one of the new OmniBooks to see if they can hit 34 hours, but even if they fall short of that, they might still endure more than 20 hours. Despite the promised long battery life, HP OmniBook 5 laptops boast impressive specs. This includes a 2K OLED display, which you don't usually see on laptops in this price range. These notebooks also have a 1080p webcam and can support a single 5K external or dual 4K display. Its dual speakers, two discrete amplifiers and AI-powered noise cancelling should let you sound nice and clear during video calls. As always, we'll need to get these HP OmniBook 5 series laptops in for testing to see their capabilities. Based on what HP has announced, they could be fantastic laptops for folks who need a reliable machine to get work done on. And if we see anything close to 34-hour battery life, we might have a new reigning champ in that category. The HP OmniBook 5 14 with Snapdragon will arrive sometime in June at Amazon and Micro Center. In July, you can also get a unit at HP's website and Costco. The HP OmniBook 5 16 should arrive in July with a starting price of $849. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Epson Celebrates Seven Generations of Cartridge-Free Printing Innovation with EcoTank ET-2980
EcoTank ET-2980 is the First in a New Line of EcoTank Models that Deliver Convenient, Cost-Efficient and Stress-Free Printing LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson America, Inc., the global leader in refillable Supertank technology, announced its seventh generation of EcoTank® cartridge-free models with the new EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank Printer. The most recent addition to the number-one selling Supertank† printer1 line, the ET-2980 leverages proven PrecisionCore® Heat-Free technology to provide everyday users with stellar print quality and reliability, ensuring a worry-free experience that lasts the life of the printer. "Epson designed EcoTank to address several pressing concerns from anyone who prints – the hassle and cost of buying ink cartridges, the high-cost of printing in color and running out of ink when you need it most," said Megha Shukla, group product manager, Consumer Inkjet, Epson America, Inc. "As an industry leader of efficient, compact and precise engineering, Epson has remained dedicated to printing innovation and continues to improve the experience with the seventh generation of EcoTank, starting with the ET-2980." The Perfect Family PrinterThe ET-2980 combines simplicity with a modern look, offering advanced technology that enhances both performance and print quality, making it an ideal choice for everyday family printing – including content created by AI. With print speeds 50% faster than its predecessor2 it offers speed and longevity, with a permanent printhead engineered to last the life of the printer. The EcoTank ET-2980 also offers uniquely keyed EcoFit™ bottles that help prevent ink from drying out and comes with enough ink to last up to three years.3 Each replacement ink bottle set is equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges4 ensuring zero cartridge waste. The EcoTank ET-2980 features built-in USB connectivity and is the first printer qualified under the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Agile Multiband™ standard – including Apple® AirPrint – to deliver a seamless wireless experience. It also offers the user-friendly Epson Smart Panel® app5 with an innovative interface to transform iOS or Android mobile devices6 into an intuitive control center. For added convenience the EcoTank ET-2980 includes a 1.44" color screen, auto duplex printing, 100-sheet paper tray, and built-in scanner. Pricing, Availability and SupportThe EcoTank ET-2980 ($299.99 MSRP) comes in both black and white designs. The black printers are available at Micro Center, The white printers are available at Office Depot, Staples, Best Buy, Micro Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, La Curacao, Brands Mart, AAFES, London Drugs, For more information regarding the new solution, visit About EpsonEpson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook ( X ( YouTube ( and Instagram ( † Supertank printers are defined as refillable ink tank printers.1 Source: Circana, LLC, Retail Tracking Service, US & Canada Combined, Inkjet SF and MF Printers Combined, Refillable Tank Included, Total Unit Sales, 12 Months Ending July 2024.2 Versus the ET-28503 Based on average monthly document print volumes of about 125 pages.4 Individual cartridges estimate based on print yields of a replacement set of black and color ink bottles as compared to Epson standard-capacity ink cartridges for similarly featured printers as of October 2024.5 Requires Epson Smart Panel app download. Data usage fees may apply.6 Most features require an Internet connection to the printer, as well as an Internet- and/or email-enabled device. For a list of Epson Connect enabled printers and compatible devices and apps, visit EPSON, EcoTank, Epson Smart Panel, and PrecisionCore are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. EcoFit is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2025 Epson America, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Epson America, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AMD's Radeon RX 9070 XT price has supposedly leaked in MicroCenter's listing, and I honestly hope this is a joke
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. MicroCenter's AMD Radeon RX 9070 GPU listing hints at potential $699 MSRP The listed prices could likely be placeholders AMD's full RDNA 4 GPU reveal will take place on February 28 AMD's Radeon RX 9000 GPU series launch is almost upon us, with the official reveal set for February 28. All eyes are set on the RX 9070 XT GPU's performance capabilities and price point - and now, we might have our answer on the latter, and it may not sit well with fans. As reported by VideoCardz, AMD's Radeon RX 9070 series has been listed on MicroCenter with the RX 9070 XT supposedly starting at $699, while its RX 9070 counterpart is listed at $649. This also includes some other overclocked models for both the RX 9070 XT and non-XT - which we won't post since it's been taken down - and these prices are similar to those listed for Nvidia's new Blackwell GPU lineup, which has seen drastic retailer inflation, with some of the new Radeon cards listed for as much as $1,099. It's important to note these aren't official prices and AMD's official reveal tomorrow could be drastically different - but a previous leak suggested that Team Red is aiming for a sub-$700 price point, which would corroborate some of MicroCenter's listings. Considering the RX 9070 XT's potential position as a competitor to Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti ($749 / £729 / around AU$1509), if it clocks in at the purported $699 (based on MicroCenter's listings), it may not be cheaper enough to convince gamers looking for GPU alternatives amid Team Green's current Blackwell launch hiccups. Although it could still end up being the ideal substitute for RTX 5000 series GPUs that are currently either out of stock or simply overpriced, there's no guarantee the same won't happen to Team Red's RDNA 4 GPUs. Scalpers could strike again, especially if the new GPUs are impressive - while this is always a threat regardless of retail prices, the suspected $699 price point isn't very appealing, especially at a time when AMD's fiercest rival is already on the back foot. As I've stated on numerous occasions, the GPU market is in dire need of some serious competition as Nvidia continues to take it by storm. Team Green is in a vulnerable state right now, as RTX 5000 series GPUs are virtually impossible to attain at MSRP (along with a whole host of teething issues, including missing ROPs on some shipped cards), so AMD's RDNA 4 GPU launch is the perfect opportunity for Team Red to claw back some market share. Frustratingly, it looks like Team Red could bow out of the battle before it even starts - if MicroCenter's listed prices end up being legitimate, I truly believe AMD stands no chance at competing with Nvidia this generation. The Radeon RX 7900 XTX, the current flagship GPU - which is still one of the closest to the RTX 4090 alongside the RTX 4080 Super - is supposedly going to remain AMD's most powerful consumer GPU, and that card can be found at slightly higher prices than the RTX 5070 Ti's $729. If the Radeon RX 9070 XT cannot beat either of those GPUs at a potential $699 MSRP, I fear that it will be dead on arrival. Plenty of fans already look toward Nvidia for the best performance, especially when using ray tracing - while RDNA 4 promises to improve on ray tracing performance, it'll be a major challenge to match Team Green's successes in that region. I'm hoping that by tomorrow, I can eat my words after AMD finally opens the lid on its new GPU offerings, but honestly? I'd be willing to bet that MicroCenter's leak is accurate... Evidence mounts that RX 9070 XT GPU could equal Nvidia RTX 4080's performance – I just hope AMD doesn't mess up pricing Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti may be getting the competition it needs as the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT's performance leaks Watch out, Nvidia – AMD's rumored to have a plan to unleash RX 9070 reviews to run interference with RTX 5070 GPU's big launch day
