Apparently a shopping mall about 15 minutes from MacSparky headquarters, The Shops at Mission Viejo, is ground zero of the looming Apple vs. Microsoft retail battle. First Microsoft boosted the whole Apple Store concept (“Guru Bar?” That is the best they can do?) and started trying to poach Apple store employees for their big opening. Apple has now joined the fray by closing its store in the mall for renovation. Of course I will go down and take pictures when the new stores open but I can’t help think Microsoft’s retail chain will fizzle. People don’t get passionate about PC’s the way they do Macs. It just seems like Microsoft is playing the game on Apple’s terms which never seems to work out. Maybe I’m wrong but it will be interesting to be there at the beginning.