Apple (AAPL) Store gets competition: Florida's first Microsoft (MSFT) Store to open in Orlando

Not an Apple fan?

South Florida PC enthusiasts can soon shop and swoon over Microsoft products inside the company’s first retail store in Florida, although they’ll have to make a drive. The Sunshine State’s first Microsoft Store opens in the Florida Mall in Orlando on Thursday.

The 4,470-square-foot outlet will sell Microsoft hardware and software including computers, cell phones, Xbox Kinect and Microsoft Office.

Similar to the Apple Store, the MicrosoftSstore will have an answer desk for techincal questions, troubleshooting and repairs. The store will also host a 103-inch touchscreen in a theater format which can be used for community events.

Microsoft began opening retail stores in 2009. There are 21 stores across the country so far. Last year, the company said it plans to open 75 more storefronts in the next three years.

Apple, on the other hand, has more than 370 stores nationwide, including Aventura, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and three stores in Miami.

There are no plans for a Microsoft Store in South Florida as of yet.

Sandra Pedicini from the Orlando Sentinel contributed to this report .