So we all know there’s a big April 18th launch of the Nook at Best Buy stores.
Except BestBuy.com is already selling the Nook for $259.99 today - 4 days early. The shipping estimate says you can get it as early as tomorrow if you pay $25 for express shipping. Store pickup is listed as ‘not available’.
The whole point of having it at Best Buy is for users to be able to play around with it so online availability doesn’t mean much. It’s still interesting that they’d have it available on their website 4 days before the official ‘Nook at Best Buy’ launch.
BestBuy now selling iPad, Nook, and Sony Reader
Here’s the status of each -
- iPad – Available in stores only. Out of stock at most locations.
- Nook – Available in stores on the 18th. Available online and is in stock.
- Sony Reader – Available in stores and online and is in stock.
Interestingly, the reviewers at Best Buy give the iPad 16 GB model 3.4 stars out of 5, the iPad 32 GB model 3.8 stars out of 5, and the 64 GB model 4.7 stars out of 5. On closer inspection you realize a lot of the 1 star reviews are from people who don’t own one. So actually most users seem to be giving the iPad 5 stars.
The few negative reviews from owners had to do with WiFi problems.
Did Apple stock 15 iPads per BestBuy just to create demand?
From what’s being written it seems only 15 iPads were sent to each Best Buy. It might not be the worst idea in the world to put a very limited number of products in a store with high foot traffic. Especially if you want to create a lot of buzz.
It was interesting that Steve Jobs mentioned in his iPhone OS 4.0 keynote that he’s hearing Best Buy are running out of iPad stock. It’s not inconceivable that the only reason to let Best Buy in was to help create demand and buzz.
One outlet is an outlet you control and the other outlet is something that gets limited stock.
Meanwhile, on an unrestricted site like eBay things are different - the premiums aren’t very high ($50 to $100) and there are even people selling their used iPads for below retail price.
How long before Best Buy start selling the Kindle?
There have been rumors that Best Buy will start selling the Kindle too. You have to think it’ll be soon.
Amazon has to feel that with Nook and iPad both available in so many retail stores Amazon is losing out on being able to reach new customers and also is unable to let readers see for themselves what reading on a Kindle is like.
Filed under: news Tagged: | nook ereader
