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Microsoft Windows 7 Pre-Sale & Upgrade Promotion

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:02:27 GMT

A few weeks ago I blogged about Microsoft Windows 7, its release data and it's features.

Today I want to let everyone know you can pre-order Windows 7 on Walmart.com and save over 50% off the regular price.

Get windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for a special Pre-Order price of $49.92 and Windows 7 Professional for $99.92. This offer began today and will end on July 11, 2009. After that date the price will go up to $119.92 for Home Premium Upgrade and $199.92 for Professional Upgrade.

Pre-Order Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade here.
Pre-Order Windows 7 Professional Upgrade here.
Product will ship October 22, 2009

Microsoft, Walmart and their PC Suppliers have worked together to insure that if you buy A qualifying PC Today (In Store or Online) and you can Upgrade to Windows® 7 for FREE*. A Qualifying PC (Desktop or Notebook) is pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium, Ultimate or Business.
*Shipping and Handling may apply on some brands. See item page for details.

To see a list Qualifying Notebooks Click Here
To see a list Qualifying Desktops Click Here

Click Here to learn more about Windows 7.

More To Come....

->Paul<-

Fathers Day

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:53:50 GMT

I wanted to everyone a little insight into our video game offers for Fathers Day. First up is a special offer for the Wii Console. During 6/14/09 - 6-20/09 anyone purchasing a Wii console will receive a $20.00 Wal-Mart gift card free. Dad gets a Wii, and hey that's really an investment for the whole family, so we threw in the $20 Gift card that will take care of an accessory. I would suggest one of these 3 accessories, the new Wii Motion plus, Wii Nunchuk or Classic Controller (All of which sell at Wal-Mart for $19.96 each).

Also for Fathers Day is the PS3 bundle featuring MLB 09: The Show and a Blu-ray copy of 007 Quantum of Solace all for the every day low price of $399. I know this is not the price move that everyone is hoping for, but when you consider the value of the bundle, I believe its a great offer. The bundle is targeted at fathers, but MLB is such a great game that I think everyone, baseball fan or not, will enjoy it. It received a 90 metacritic score and in my opinion is one of the best baseball games available on a console today. Quantum of Solace is a pure adrenalin rush movie, and in high definition Blu-ray is beautiful to watch. The exclusive bundle launched at Wal-Mart on June 14th.

Two great offers for Fathers day. Enjoy!

Norma Kamali for Walmart Cardigan Featured on NBC Today's Style Segment

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:30:14 GMT

I can’t believe it’s already June and I still haven’t moved my boots and coats to the back of the closet to make room for warmer weather gear. Having just booked my travel plans for a much needed quick weekend getaway I realized that a few cute pieces to refresh my existing summer wardrobe were a must. I was in luck. This week's Today Show fashion segment touting the best affordable weekend get-away looks http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31369799#31386169 couldn’t have come at a better time. As part of the segment they featured our Norma Kamali $18 long linen-cotton cardigan in lime (which leans toward a saffron yellow, but is also available in black and white). Lucky Magazine’s Alison Waterman described the sweater as providing a “fantastic pop of color” and went on to say “we’re so in love with this.” I love it too, I thought as I hit “purchase” on Walmart.com.

The next generation in surround sound...

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:42:04 GMT

Anyone else get annoyed by all the wires and set up of a normal surround sound system? It's especially annoying when you want to hide all the wires, which would require you to get a little more handy than I would claim to be. If this is the case, and you're in the need for what I call "sound enhancement", a sound bar may be just what you need. The good news is that Walmart has started carrying a couple in select stores, as well as a few more on walmart.com. Prices have also come down significantly over the past year, making this not only convenient but affordable!

One of the new items that we have available in some stores and online is the Vizio sound bar. It is getting great reviews so far and is a great deal at $148. Go to the website to check it out!

What do you all think about sound bars? Or should I say ya'll since I'm living in Arkansas now? :)

Microsoft Windows 7 Release Date is......

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:51:13 GMT

A lot is happening in the news, and on the technology side it’s seems to be all on E3 and the gaming world this week. However we had a quick headline yesterday that I want to share:

Windows 7 general availability: In stores starting October 22nd!

Walmart will be selling Win 7 in stores as well as online on that 10/22 date. With New PCs in store and a expanded assortment online that can be up to 100+ Laptops & 40+Desktops.

If you haven’t heard or seen it yet, check out this video.

I saw a demo of the product back in Jan @ CES. I was impressed, it wasn’t till a few months later that I installed the product and used it (via Beta version for download from MS). It seems beta testing went very well and quickly with impressive reviews throughout the tech community.

Microsoft does have the Win 7 Release candidate available for download here . Testing and Release Candidates are not for everyone. That version will expires on 6/1/10, along with your PC shutting down every 2 hours starting 3/1/10 if a new/non-expired version is not installed before that. Other Terms and conditions found on this link

Here are some highlights of Windows 7:

* Improved Taskbar
* Jump Lists
* Desktop enhancements
* Windows Search
* Internet Explorer 8
* Better device Management
* Home Group
* View Available Networks
* Click her for details on each highlight.

Microsoft has built Win 7 based on customer feedback. They really wanted to build a OS that was what the customer wanted it to do. They asked for feedback and got tons of it. Big changes are everyday tasks are faster and easier to insure you usage is what you want it to be.

* Faster, more responsive performance
* Power Management Improvements
* Compatibility
* Reduce interruptions
Click her for details

Win 7 adds new Possibilities for you and your PC
* Easier TV, Movies and Video
* TV, Music, Pictures, and video: when and where you want them
* Play to
* Remote Media Streaming
* Keep your Life in-sync with Windows Live
*Windows Touch
-Some of these features can require new/additional hardware.

We want to know your thoughts on Win 7. Have you seen it? Tried it? Heard any news? Will you be one to upgrade right away or wait? Feel free to use the comment button below.

--More to follow--

Liveblog E3 Day 4

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:50:05 GMT

The last day...

10:20 a.m. - An extra shout out today to Eric Mahurin and Baily Gibson. Two members of the buying team that back in the office hard at work.

Thanks for the support!

10:27 a.m. - Today I have a few appointments and will get stop by a few other sections I have not been to yet. I will try to take more pictures to give everyone a sense of the size and scale of the event.

1:16 p.m. - Entering the west hall looking at the Sony mega booth.

1:19 p.m. - Standing in line to play Sony's Infamous game. On sale now at Wal-Mart. I have the game at home and give it my personal thumbs up.

2:57 p.m. - A close up shot of the new PSP go.

3:01 p.m. - Inside the sony booth, with a shot of the 60' screen in the background.

3:12 p.m. - People are lining up to play Wii Sports Resort. Look for this at Wal-Mart in July.

3:22 - If your looking for a workout, then Wii fit is for you. Look for the expansion Wii fit Plus coming to Wal-Mart this fall. It will be include all of the exercises from the current game and include additional exercises as well.

3:27 - The Activision booth is getting lots of activity!

4:14 p.m. - Lots of people around the Tony Hawk: Ride skateboard game. Looks to be a show favorite. Coming to Wal-Mart this fall.

4:17 p.m. - Another shot of players on the board of Tony Hawk: Ride

4:25 p.m. - Activision puts on a Guitar Hero 5 concert. Coming to Wal-Mart 9/1/09.

4:48 p.m. - Entering the Microsoft mega booth. Halo ODST was nominated for best of show.

4:54 p.m. - The Forza Motorsport 3 demo. Ok it would be cool to have one of these in the media room at home. There, I said it.

4:59 p.m. - Heading toward Warner Brothers to check out Batman: Arkham Asylum

Only one hour of E3 left!

5:04 p.m. - Arkham was also nominated for best of show. It looks to be a great game. Coming to Wal-Mart in august. Rated "T" for teen.

5:23 p.m. - Sitting and talking to Dennis Dozier(DD is his gamertag). He is ranked #1 in Call of Duty 4 on PS3 out of 200,000 players.

I challenge anyone to try to beat him. Let me know if you do! Good Luck!

6:01 p.m. - E3 2009 has worn me out!

6:36 p.m. - That's it for this year. I hope you enjoyed it.

Remember to "check out" my blog for other games and gadget news and events.

Liveblog E3 Day 3

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:20:38 GMT

8:58 a.m. -
Today we start Microsoft.

9:22 a.m. - Once again we are ushered into a private room for a special showing for the latest games and accessories

10:16 a.m. - Microsoft big news
Project Natal - The new hands free accessory that will track your movements for your xbox 360 games. No more controllers! Wow! Look for it in 2010.

Halo ODST- 9/22/09 a tuesday street date. A new chapter in the Halo story line. It has a new coop mode called firefight and will be a 2 disk set. It will also include a beta of the next years Halo game, Halo Reach.

Forza Motorsort 3. - over 400 cars, new tracks and environments.

Insider tip- Wal-Mart will have an exclusive car that will come with the game! Right now its looking like a October launch.
10:47 a.m. - A snap of me using the Project Natal accessory. Look! No hands!

Honestly this is a revolutionary device that could alter they way games are played in the future. Imagine being able to jump into any game at any time, where YOU become the controller. No complex button combos, no tired thumbs. If Microsoft can get the technology integrated into some key games, it will be a whole new experience for gamers, casual and hardcore.

11:02 a.m. - Next up Sega.

11:09 a.m. - New from Sega is Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games for the Wii. The game has a great use of the Wii balance board for several events. Hockey, skiing, speed skating, and more are in the game. Look for it at Wal-mart this Holiday.

11:25 a.m. - The next game from Sega is Alpha Protocol. This game will combine an adventure shooter game with an RPG. Over 40 hours of game play. Look for it to launch sometime in 0ctober.

11:30 a.m. Conduit is a FPS from Sega for the Wii that will have a "treasure hunter" story line going on as well. It has been nominated for best of E3 by IGN.com. It will have 12 person multi player.

Sci-fi based game where you play an ex secrete service agent called in to investigate an alien invasion. Shipping to Wal-.Mart in June.

11:36 a.m. - Aliens vs Predator is a key launch from Sega for Feb 2010. You will get to lay as either a human, Predator or an Alien. This one will be a strong "M" rating for graphic violence similar to what you would find in the movies.

12:13 p.m. - Brought to you by the same developers who brought you "Devil May Cry" is Bayonetta from Sega and is similar in feel to that successful game series. Expect over the top bosses, beautiful scenery, and great action oriented game play. Over 12 different weapons in the game and you can pick up weapons from you enemies as well.

Fall 09 launch date. Rated "M" for content and violence.

2:34 p.m. - Now on to Ubisoft

Assassins Creed 2 WOW! Great title. Its the year 1486 during renaissance times and you play an assassin on a quest for vengeance to clear his family name. The game can display up to 120 characters simultaneously on the screen at the same time. You are able to climb on almost any ledge to gain access to the rooftops for greater stealth. The game actually goes through both day and night sections of the game and you will be able to determine when is the best time to complete the mission.

Next is Splinter Cell Conviction. Another game that has been nominated for best of show. Lots of changes here. You are in the middle of a civilian area. The game has a mark and execute function that allows you to prepick your targets and can be combined with moves for great combos. there are no cut scenes in the game each chapter flows from one part to the other like a movie.

Also from Ubisoft is Avatar. The game is based on the James Cameron movie of the same name. A corporation from the planet earth goes to the planet Pandora. Unfortunately there is a conflict. You get to choose if you want to fight for your invading corporation or help out the indigenous residents.

Your shape- a new exercise game from Ubisoft that comes with a camera that will track your movements to make sure you are doing the exercise correctly. Over 400 different exercises will come included with the game.

4:46 p.m. - Now on to EA

First up is Dantes Inferno. A new IP for EA. The story line is obvious and you get to play Dante on his quest to rescue Beatrice. Game play looks stunning and action packed. The interpretation of the poems into the game is well done as you descend through the various circles of hell.
This looks like it will be a big title for 2010. You can follow the progress of the game on Twitter- danteteam, facebook- the dantes inferno team and www.dantesinferno.com

Liveblog E3 Day 2

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:10:07 GMT

9:42 - We start the 2nd day at the Nintendo press event being held at the Nokia theater..

9:50 - Looks like we will have a new Mario title for the Wii. Super Mario Brothers for the Wii. Wow! Sure to be a huge hit.

For the DSi there will be a new Mario VS Donkey Kong, that will allow user generated content. Sounds like it will be a download available for purchase on Monday?

9:52 - Wow! They just announced that you will be able to upload the pictures that you take with your DSi straight to facebook. Cool feature.

9:56 - The president of Nintendo just took the stage. He is focused on telling us how Nintendo has done a great job of growing the games market, by making games that everyone can enjoy.
10:04 - They just announced the Wii vitality sensor. It looks like a finger pulse monitor that attaches to a Wii remote. Not sure yet on how this one will play out.

10:04 - They just announced a 2nd Mario title. I'm waiting for the name.
10:08 - The 2nd Mario title is Super Mario Galaxy. Lots of cheers from the crowd.

10:14 - A new Resident Evil and Deadspace:Extraction. Both shooter type games. Looks like we will be selling lots of gun accessories for the Wii remote.
10:16 - The crowd just went wild! They just announced a new Metroid title for 2010. Metroid: Other M.

10:30 - The Wal-Mart buying staff with Shirley Ulrich, Senior Director of Nintendo at the press event.

10:40 - Someone snapped a picture of me playing the sword fighting game on Wii sports resort. FYI- I won. Its true everyone can play. Not too bad for an old dude. :-)

11:13 - Now we catch a quick bus trip across town for the Sony event.

11:22 - The Sony event starts with the sony "One Vision" showing the PSP and the PS3.
Jack Tretton President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment just took the stage talking about all of the industry gossip that is out there about Sony.
11:32 - First up some game play from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. A graphics rich adventure title with a definite "M" rating. This could be one of the best looking games for the PS3 I have seen in a while. Totally for the adult gamer.

11:36 - Next up is MAG. A first person shooter that will allow up to 128 players ON EACH SIDE to play against other. 256 players in one game? Impressive.

11:39 - Jack Tretton is back up talking about the PSP

11:49 - The rumors are true! They just announced the new PSP GO! 16 GB of hard drive space, built in Wi-fi, and no UMD. All software will be via digital download.

Available for $249 on October 1st. Be sure to come to Wal-Mart for yours, it sounds like a great device. We will have it available for presale on Wal-Mart. com.

11:51 - They just announced Grand Turismo for the PSP go and the PSP 3000. October 1st with the launch of the go.
12:05 - Next up for the psp is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Watching the trailer now. Hard to believe these graphics are for a handheld device, it looks phenomenal. The crowd is cheering!

12:29 - Next up Assassins Creed 2 available this holiday. Dozens of new weapons, and connectivity to the PSP. More applause from the crowd.

12:29 - Final fantasy 14- online for next year? Wow!
12:42 - Playstation motion controller. Yep its true! It will work with the Playstation eye to track your movements. Oh wow! It allows you to hold any virtual device in your hands! You could hold the weapon of your favorite game character. Everyone around me keeps saying wow! The amount of control it gives you is amazing.
Baseball, shooting, bows and arrows, sword fighting, it does it all.

The crowd just keeps clapping.

I hope Sony gives us enough of theses to sell, because it looks like the must have ad on. Launch date is Spring of 2010.
12:55 - The next game for the PS3 is Mod Nation Racers. A racing game that allows you to create your own tracks for your own enjoyment or to share with others. You can also change the environment surrounding your track. Lots of custom functions. The demo guy created a whole new track in about 5 minutes. Nice!

1:01 - Grand tursimo 5 looks great. Very realistic

1:14 - They are now showing a live demo for God of War 3. This will be the big dog of the Sony line up and it looks fantastic! The crowd is cheering!

2:59 - After another quick ride on the shuttle, we are off to the convention center for the main part of the show.

3:18 - First up THQ. We are ushered into another dimly lit room to be shown game play. Now playing- the trailer for Homefront. Fighting in the US against an invasion force. Looks to be a strong shooter game. Look for it next year.

3:44 - Do you want to be a cheerleader? Then THQ has All Star Cheer Squad 2 coming for you. Should be out in November.

3:53 - THQ also has Marvel Superhero Squad. A perfect superhero game for kids. You get to play any of a great lineup of heroes from Wolverine to Captain America and several others. It will come out on 10/13/09 and have a "E 10+" rating.

Insider tip-- Wal-Mart will have an exclusive feature that will come included with the game! You heard it here first! More info to come.

4:32 - At the BD&A booth now. They just got the license for Star Wars accessories for the Wii. This is a shot of the blaster. This looks great. Even if you just looking for a great gun, this one even has a place to hold the numchuck. They also have a lightsaber to offer as well.

5:50 - Now on to Take Two. The first game they show is part of the 2K play line for kids Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey for the Wii and the NDS. Lots of circus games single and multi player. Launching in the back half of the year.

6:41 - Now on to another room for the more mature titles from Take Two.

First up is I great trailer from Mafia 2. Set in the 1940's looks like a gritty, realistic "Godfather" type of game.

Next up is a personal favorite of mine, Bioshock 2. Takes place 10 years after the last installment and you play a "Big Daddy" in the game. If your familiar with the first game, then you know who that is and what a change it brings. If you have not played the game before, then all you need to know is this should be one of the top shooter games of the year. You can use all of the weapons that a Big Daddy used in the first game and you get to have your own "little sister" .

Bioshock 2 will also have a online multplayer function. Hitting a Wal-Mart near you this November.

7:11 - Ok that is all for today. Time to head to dinner. I would like to thank the rest of the buying staff that is back in Bentonville and helped make this trip possible.

Cheri Wright
Stephanie Hayes
Jamila Brown
Abby McCullough
Josh Glass
Shannon Guinn
Melissa Dildy
Matt Shy

Talk to everyone tomorrow for Day 3