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Sony is NOT an underdog. It is one of the largest corporations and best recognized (and loved) brands in the world. It has full scale operations in many countries and regions and incredibly opportunity to leverage expertise within and beyond the company.
B&N, by contrast, is a gnat. The fact it has come this far with the Nook -- which still hasn't been in market for a full year -- speaks, pardon the publishing pun, volumes.
There are many ways for the industry to play out, although it sure looks like the balance of 2010 will be viewed as an "inflection point". Nonetheless, you have to wonder what the longer-term impact of Android tablets, iPads, colour e-reader screens (if they come to market, like Mirasol) will be on the current players. A "magazine size" colour page reader at Kindle pricing and capabilities may be where the future lies.
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