In the beginning, I didn't like the idea of buying from the only store in town either ... this is why I first chose Sony (and for the highlighting features).
Now I do use the ereader mainly for studies. I highlight a lot. When I am on the go I want to use my ereader. When I come home, sometimes I want to read on my Mac and work alongside in another app. I want the same highlights to appear on the Mac app as well. Sometimes I might even want to read my books in the browser (if I have find a reference or so) or even on my mobile. And the highlights should be there as well.
All this doesn't come for free. (Unless you have a lot of time to spare and can set up something yourself). I just want to read.
The service (Whispersync) which comes with the Kindle is very convenient and it works. So I have to buy from this one store now, but I learnt to accept it, because I get the service as well.
Now my father i.e. doesn't need all this. He is happy with just reading his book on his ereader. It's really down to what you need (or think you need).
I think Sony missed the boat (outside the US). They really should have had a Whispersync competitor and global store ready by the release of the T1. It seems like their service offering is not as driven as in example Kobo's or Amazon's. Anyways, just my 5 cents
