In a category where third-party distribution is not going away anytime soon, the missed opportunity online to drive customers to offline retail is even more disappointing.
Yes, production wherewithal buys space in the category, and competitors are sure to welcome the opportunity to purchase production and distribution facilities at bargain prices.
Buying the Nook would effectively make them the owner of the eReader category, and allow them to focus on the Kindle Fire and the cross over devices to media distribution, and ecommerce on the tablet.