TMC Travel Tips: Your Branch Office - The Apple Store

Sometimes a reader sends in an idea that makes us want to slap our head and say, "Why didn't we think of that?" That's the case with an article by David Blumenstein.

The Apple Store SOHO—My Small Office/Home Office Away From Home in Manhattan was published APTM 11.05, and describes why David finds the Apple Store in SoHo to be a perfect remote location to transact business. And he's right.

The article outlines some of the software he finds essential, the many resources that can be pressed into service, the positive aspects of the location of the store, and more. If you've been to New York and stopped by the SoHo location, you know how attractive and comfortable a place it is. Obviously not all of the Apple Stores have all of the resources outlined (the theater area, for example), but many do. As David points out, all are located in upscale, quality neighborhoods with plenty of options for meeting space outside the store, dining facilities for any budget and more. The stores themselves are clean, neat, uncluttered, modern...just walking in one can improve your mood. And no one ever seems to have trouble finding a local Apple Store - everyone in the area knows where they are.

There is the added benefit of having your own personal cache of Mac hardware, software and peripherals at your fingertips just in case you forgot something or the need arises.

For the Mac fan, it creates an opportunity to show off all the cool Apple equipment to an associate. Depending on your business, this may or may not be appropriate, but it isn't hard to imagine a couple minutes perusing the latest Mac models as a terrific ice-breaker at a first or second meeting. "C'mon Tom. I need to pick up a new PowerBook. Help me decide which one."

I'm not sure that I can advocate setting up shop at a retail store for any length of time, but it is certainly an option that can be pressed into service if the need arises. Even if you don't avail yourself of all of David's suggestions, making an Apple Store part of your business plans adds one more resource to the Road Warrior's arsenal.

If you have a travel tip to share or comment on this series, send it to [email protected]. We will consider adding it to our collection of advice for those who work and play with their Macs on the road.