Let's say I just talked my parents into buying a new Mac. This would probably occur after stopping by their house to help them with a problem with their current computer where I'd suggest to them that it's not worth putting any money into their current model and should just by a new computer.

At this point, we'd have to decide which model is right for them. While we could go on the website together, browse models, and pick one out, that's not nearly as cool as visiting an Apple Store where they can see what they're buying. More importantly, it means they can whip out the plastic and bring it home the same day, so I can help them set it up. That's a better buying experience, and removes the buyer's remorse that could set in between when a computer is purchased online and when it shows up at your door.

On a related note, Apple recently decided to ban access to MySpace.com in their stores. Unlike many computer stores where computers are turned on but aren't actually connected to the web, Apple allows you to pop open Safari and experience the web on their display models. This is smart, since web surfing is such a common task people use computers for. And it makes is much easier to experience the speed of a new rig vs. opening a word processing application or some other Office related application where you can't really tell the difference until you have a lot of data.

One of the side effects of providing open Internet access to store visitors is the cyber squatting that's bound to happen. While most people visiting a store will use the web to test models they're considering buying, others will take advantage of the access for entertainment or work purposes. I've been in stores where almost every computer was in use by someone checking their Yahoo Mail or MySpace account, and even watched a girl work on a paper for class with notes spread out next to the computer. This is not the behavior of prospective customers.

In my opinion, Apple made the right decision to block MySpace. It doesn't limit a person's ability to evaluate the performance of a computer, removes potentially offensive images from appearing on the store's monitors, and frees up display models for access by customers with credit cards in hand.

One could argue that MySpace surfing mall rats are prospective customers who could talk their parents into buying them a Mac on a future trip. Very true. But wouldn't the parental nag factor actually be higher if they weren't able to rely on free computers and Internet access at the Apple stores?

Back to my parents: It would NOT be a good experience for my parents if - after dragging them into one of our local Apple Stores - we had to compete with MySpace surfing mall rats for access to display models of computers they're considering buying. A customer should never have to tell someone, "Excuse me. I'm a paying customer."