November 01, 2006 @ 4:27 PM
New Mexico, birthplace of Microsoft, the Atomic Bomb and the Albuquerque Isotopes, now joins the prestigious ranks of states like Arizona, Utah and Rhode Island with the debut of its first Apple Store (right here in good old Albuquerque).
The Mayor even gave a brief speech before hastily joining the more than 1,000 “Aqua-thirsty” Mac fanatics who showed up before noon today for free t-shirts, and a glimpse at the wall-to-wall stainless steel retail behemoth.
Kelly Robinson, an Albuquerque web developer, was first in line having guaranteed his position by showing up at 8:30 PM the night before.
I stopped by just after breakfast and shot for a while. Ran into many local Creatives and Developers, including the guys from Clearwired, as well as Sam Maclay and Tim McGrath from 3 Advertising.
The store is phenominal. Similar to the ones I’ve visited in other cities with one HUGE diffference… it’s 10 minutes from my house. Needless to say (and yet here I am saying it) I’m thrilled it’s here - not only for the convenience factor, but because it serves as a shining beacon, reminding us all that Albuquerque is a city moving forward when it comes to technology and design. (Cue the white doves!!!)
And now some silly pics:
Mac-O-Lantern.
The good Mayor, Martin Chávez.
Also in attendance, the Four Horsemen of the Appaccolypse. An Apple store in Albuquerque is certainly a sign the end is indeed nigh.
The guys from Clearwired.
Tim McGrath of 3 Advertising, shoots back with his handy “USB enabled” Polaroid 420 Automatic Land Camera.
The Sub-Zero™ freezer where they keep inventory and many of the employees between shifts.
The new 88” MacBook Pros.
Comments
You're such a liar. There's no 88" MacBook Pro. Sheesh.
Dude. Within 20 minutes, I dropped $600 in there on a new iPod and accompanying goodies. Must. stay. away.
Sam - ME TOO! I totally blacked out and woke up with an 80GB iPod. I'm pretty sure they employ some form of advanced mind control there. Good seeing you today! 
I think I sat and drooled over the 30-inch Cinema Display for about 15 minutes. Must own one soon. Or maybe two. Now, if only I could find the USB cord for my camera.
Great. Now how am I going to get you to come visit LA? :(
Chung - You know I'm out there seeing clients all the time. Plus, you still make the meanest turducken this side of the Mississippi.
Welcome to 2005, Albuquerque!
Congratulations, Mark! I was similarly thrilled when Apple came to Utah (but much more so when I was ready to buy a Macbook). The only thing I want now is for the Apple Store to be as versatile as the online store. I want to be able to walk in, choose my configuration, and walk out with a custom machine within a few minutes. Maybe they could use a little Ajax in their stores.
Something's quite scary when an Apple store opening brings the mayor out. I mean, you and I both know how important and significant Apple has meant to the economy (and good design), but a line is crossed when it brings out politicians. That freezer creeps me out by the way...
Blake - Ha! Don't fear the freezer... or our Mayor, he's a pretty hip dude. He was actually there to celebrate the opening of an entire outdoor mall. Funny that there weren't any lines for Pottery Barn or Gymboree.
You remember turducken! I'm touched. And by touched, I mean, afraid.
Pottery Barn is overpriced. You'd never see me in line for that store...as for your mayor...okay then I strike up a new argument: why was he there for a grand opening of a mall? I mean...this must be one helluva mall. 
Okay I'm venting at this point, disregard!
So, what's the address of this store in Albuqeurque? I can't find an address in the phone book.
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