Microsoft opens its fourth retail store

Microsoft is opening its fourth retail store on June 24, the same day that Apple is delivering the iPhone 4.

The newest store is in Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego -- where there's also an Apple retail store. The other three stores that are already open are in Mission Viejo, Calif., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Lone Tree, Colo. (There's also a Bellevue, Wash., Microsoft Store coming, but the Softies won't share any details or planned opening dates.)

Is Microsoft crazy or smart to make iPhone 4 launch day its San Diego store opening day? I'm not so sure. I guess you could argue that the iPhone 4 will be bringing more shoppers than usual to the mall today.

All I know is I wish there were a Microsoft Store in New York City, as I've said before. When I attended Microsoft's consumer open house this week here, it reminded me that there are very few places that show off a variety of Windows 7 PCs side-by-side. (And even fewer where things like Windows Live are demonstrated by the sales folks on hand.) There weren't any brand-new PCs on hand at the Tuesday night showcase, but it really makes a difference getting to see, hold and try out  lots of different models from different vendors.

Any guesses where Microsoft might open its sixth or seventh stores? Where would it make the most sense, in your opinion? Apple already has 286 retail stores, by the way.