Nook Tablet arrives a day early for some

Published 9:07 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Barnes &Noble Inc.’s Nook Tablet electronic device began arriving in stores and homes Wednesday, one day ahead of schedule.

The move comes just after Amazon.com Inc. began shipping its similar Kindle Fire device Monday, also a day ahead of schedule. Both hope their souped-up, tablet-like e-readers will be popular gifts this season.

Apple Inc.’s iPad has dominated the tablet market. That device starts at $499. Nook Tablet is selling for $249 and Amazon’s Kindle Fire sells for $199.

Since introducing its first Nook in 2009, Barnes &Noble has spent heavily on its e-book readers and e-bookstore.

Unlike Amazon, Barnes &Noble doesn’t offer streaming services, but the Nook includes preloaded software from Hulu and Netflix Inc. to let users watch movies and TV shows through those subscription services.

Associated Press