The author reviews the pros and cons for Microsoft and B&N, clsoing with: "The question comes down to this: Has Microsoft's $300 million bought it a Barnes & Noble roadmap onto Microsoft devices? Perhaps, but it's not likely to be B&N's exclusive path."  Also to be considered is how Microsoft can leverage the Barnes and Noble stores. More analysis on that question here: http://www.8sages.com/busy-times-for-microsoft-barnes-noble-and-nokia/