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Photos: AT&T Experience store

AT&T has opened five "Experience" stores in the United States. See the highlights from CNET's trip to the store near San Francisco.

Kent German

April 24, 2008 10:53 a.m. PT

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From the outside, the AT&T Experience store in San Bruno, Calif., looks like an ordinary AT&T store.

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Upon entering you can see that this store is a bit different.

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The store includes a lounge for watching AT&T's video content. More importantly, there are seats for taking a rest while you wait

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The highlight of the AT&T store are the six AT&T Surface displays. Developed by Microsoft, the surfaces allow you to research a variety of information, from plans to phones to coverage.

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When you place a phone on the surface, such as this Samsung SGH-A737, you can research everything you need to know about the handset.

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The interactive displays are entirely touch sensitive. From the home screen you can jump to a variety of menus.

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You can compare several plans side by side. You can drag the individual windows around if you wish.

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By placing one of the featured phones on the surface you can see the applicable plans for that handset.

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You can review all of the applicable specs like the size the weight and the battery life.

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You can look up the phone's feature list to see all the goodies that it offers.

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You even can see the full gallery of applicable colors

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Finally, you can round out your purchase with an accessory.

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If you can't decide, you can put two models side by side.

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The surface also shows coverage maps. By moving your fingers, in a method similar to the iPhone, you can zoom in on a chosen area.

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We've zoomed in to see AT&T coverage in the Bay Area.

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You even can view coverage block by block.

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The surface also shows 3G coverage in your area.

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A special iPhone display lets you play with Apple's handset.

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A selection of iPhone accessories are available as well.

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You can take all of AT&T's handsets for a test drive.

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Accessories are displayed just below the phones

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Or for more experienced tastes, you can choose from an array of designer cases.

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Photos: AT&T Experience store

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