When I check out a device in the store I definitely pick it up, hold it, turn it over, and generally look at every part of it. Things like a charging port on the bottom would probably stick out...

Or like in this case, with the power button on the bottom, I'd definitely notice that as annoying.

What software do they let you load?

Basically anything you want, they don't tend to watch you at the apple store, unless you seem like you actually want to buy something. They want you to mess around with the machines, so I've never seen them password protected in any way, you have admin access.