Technoweek at Mall of America with Apple, Microsoft, Panasonic 3D

I rarely go to malls, especially if it’s a big one like Mall of America (MOA) in Minneapolis, and especially if it’s in December – when the crazies come out to shop and the snow banks usurp precious parking space.

But mall-hating techno-geeks like myself just might brave the crowds and the cold the week of December 8, when Panasonic spreads 3D joy at MOA and elsewhere throughout the country.

The visit is part of Panasonic’s Unwrap 3D tour, landing at 14 different malls starting Dec. 1.

The hands-on exhibit will feature Panasonic’s Full HD 3D VIERA VT25 and GT25 Series Plasma TVs, 3D Blu-ray Disc players, rechargeable 3D Active Shutter Eyewear, and 3D digital imaging products including Panasonic’s first consumer 3D camcorder and the world’s first digital camera with an interchangeable 3D lens – the LUMIX GH2.

The display will also feature an array of 3D content including programming from DirecTV and PC-based 3D video gaming from nVidia.

I’ve seen most of the Panasonic 3D gear before, but I haven’t seen the typical mall rat play with the stuff before, and that could be a treat.

But it isn’t just the Panasonic exhibit that makes for a techno-good December at Mall of America.

A Microsoft store just opened up there … right across the hall from the popular Apple store.

The sight – and the site – might not last long, judging by a recent assessment by the L.A. Times.

The Web site Cult of Mac has some compelling reasons Why Microsoft’s Mall of America Store Will Fail.

So why not hit a three-fer at MOA Dec. 8-12?

I would, seriously, if I weren’t hibernating in San Antonio, Texas for the month.

Panasonic Unwrap 3D Tour

Week 1: December 1-5
New York, Roosevelt Field -- Garden City, NY
Philadelphia, King of Prussia Mall - King of Prussia, PA
Atlanta, Perimeter Mall – Atlanta, GA
Chicago, The Shops at North Bridge - Chicago, IL
Dallas, Stonebriar Centre – Frisco, TX
Los Angeles, Topanga – Canoga Park, CA
San Francisco, San Francisco Centre – San Francisco, CA

Week 2: December 8-12
Boston, South Shore Plaza – Braintree, MA
Washington, DC, Tysons Corner Center – McLean, VA
Miami, Miami International Mall – Miami, FL
Minneapolis, Mall of America – Bloomington, MN
Houston, The Galleria – Houston, TX
Phoenix, Chandler Fashion Center – Chandler, AZ
Seattle, Northgate Mall – Seattle, WA

http://www.panasonic.com/3D



Why does Microsoft use publicity shots with a bunch of bored employees and no customers in the Microsoft Store?