I was at the AT&T store here in Atlanta earlier today, and was looking at the Microsoft Surface out on display. I had never seen one up close before, and was very impressed. The physical design of the Surface was excellent, and the UI was surprisingly slick. I was having a nice experience, when a lady walked up to me and spilled the usual lines for that type of store.

“Can I help you with anything?”

“No, I’m actually just checking out the Surface here. Nice product, y’all must love having them.”

And then came the stupidest twelve words I’ve ever said in my life.

“Wow, this is really nice, I think I’m gonna take a picture.”

“You can’t take a picture.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

The salesperson wasn’t necessarily rude about it, but she definitely wasn’t nice. If I had half a brain, I would have claimed that I was just browsing, let her pass by, then inadvertently take out my phone and snap a shot. 

Is it just me, or can anyone else think of a reason that taking pictures of the Surface wouldn’t be allowed? I understand that Microsoft does have their share of company secrets and privacy, but what would be the benefit of doing that for a product that is already out in the field?