Barnes & Noble is looking to attract new customers this holiday season with lower prices for its popular e-reader. But Amazon is right behind in competition.
B&N announced Saturday that the NOOK Simple Touch is now available for the low price of $79 (regular price $99) in time for the holidays. The e-reader will go on sale Dec. 9 and customers can purchase a new Simple Touch at nearly 700 B&N retail stores, online, and through other leading retailers offering NOOK products, including Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy.
"Just in time for the holidays, this new low pricing makes the critically acclaimed NOOK Simple Touch a terrific, affordable gift for anyone on the gift list," said Jamie Iannone, President of Digital Products at NOOK Media LLC, according to the press release. "Since its launch NOOK Simple Touch has been universally praised by the media, and at just $79, it is not only the highest-rated Reader in the under-$100 category, but also the best value. Customers can now get this award-winning device, along with NOOK's best-in-class digital reading experience at an unbeatable price."
The NOOK Simple Touch E Ink Reader "combines an ergonomic design with a paper-like, glare-free readability, even in bright sunlight. The lightweight device features an ergonomic form with a soft-touch back that's comfortable to hold for hours."
Customers can also get free NOOK headphones when they buy a new NOOK HD or HD+ device online.
Amazon is also offering some deals in time for the holiday season.
Kindle Fire HD tablets are available at GameStop stores and online and will offer a free $25 gift card with the purchase of any model, according to GottaBeMobile. The Kindle Fire HD 7-inch sells for $199.99. With the gift card it will bring the price down to $175.
The new Kindle Fire HD 7-inch tablet comes in 16Gb or 32GB. It has a 1280 x 800 HD display with polarizing filter and anti-glare technology for rich color and deep contrast from any viewing angle. It features Dolby audio and dual-driver stereo speakers. Amazon says that its dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi does 40 percent faster downloads and streaming compared to the iPad 3. It has a 1.2 Ghz dual-core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics core with free unlimited cloud storage for Amazon content. It also has reduced screen glare. It costs $199 for the 16GB model.
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