I think Microsoft is on to a potentially good thing here.
What if Microsoft offers a version of Windows 8 that will run on the Nook? (IMHO, they'd be crazy to pass up that opportunity.) All of a sudden consumers have a compelling reason to choose the Nook over the Kinde. They'll be getting a tablet OS that actually has support, and an upgrade path behind it.
Agreed. The color nook has better specs than the Amazon Fire, B&N has far better customer service and a pretty loyal fanbase albeit smaller than Amazon. But yes, this could be a great way to enter the market with a distribution channel in place!
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Apple and Microsoft have made some of the same moves, but it surprises me how often people totally ignore the fact. They praise Apple for the same move they scold Microsoft for.
I HEARTILY agree with this! Look, I'm an unabashed Apple fan. I've bought several macbooks (2 for myself), iPhones, 3 iPads, countless %#*% $30 adapters, and "turned" both my parents, cousins, and a few friends to Apple. I like a MANY of their products.
BUT - a lot of Apple's actions smack of what MS did back in the 90s. Trying to lock people into using ONLY their platform. Let the quality drive people to make a decision. Their tactivs in some areas I find distasteful in the least