I'm torn on that aspect of the debate. Yes, it's a shame that the 7600x3d is only available at a particular retailer that only has a few locations. It's also a shame that the 7600x3d is bundle-only. But Microcenter is a relatively small player, and I'm glad it still exists. What are our alternatives, these days? Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy? It looks like MC has managed to survive by offering in-store-exclusive deals to draw in foot traffic. If that's what it takes, then God speed.
If AMD had enough supply for a global release, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
That's not all that MC offers to draw in foot traffic.
I'd so much rather walk into a local store so I can see what I'm getting and if by some chance I have a question I can ask a knowledgeable person there. Most of the guys I've spoken with at Micro Center are like a lot of us on this site - they have first hand experience with hardware, many like computers and use them daily for gaming or work. Don't forget that they actually have very capable workers that can build/repair/diagnose computer issues (unlike many of Geek Squad workers for Best Buy).
Lastly you get to be hands on with merchandise. There's just something about being able to pick up a part, examine it, read the info on the box and walk out the store with anything you purchased on the spot - no waiting for shipping. I make it my priority to hit up my local MC over buying hardware online, but sometimes awesome deals arise online that MC can't match or they don't have specifically what I'm looking for. I'd say 7 times out of 10 I can get what I need from MC and have it that same day.
One time I purchased a new motherboard at MC. Got home with it and it was DOA. Drove back, got a replacement within a 30 minute timeframe and back home. I didn't have to wait days for an online place to ship me one after I ship mine back (I think MC will actually test MB/RAM for you). Or have a charge held on my bank card until my defective item was received back by the shipper.
I think a lot of people forget about the benefits of brick and mortar stores and simply run with, "I can save a buck from buying this online." or "It saves me time ordering online." Sure, you can get some small benefits from doing so, but I find the convenience of going into the store better over buying online.
Remember that Fry's used to be a thing, along with CompUSA, NCIX and even TigerDirect had a few store locations. We used to have more options out there, but with the online shift a lot of it has go away. I'm hoping that MC doesn't go this route and I don't think it will anytime soon - the store near me is always busy.
The way I see it, if these small exclusives help get a few more feet into their stores then I'm okay with it.
Germans will be able to purchase it now too, so that's a good thing.
