One of these new offerings is the Nook from Barnes & Noble. The Nook is an eReader that sells for $259 and sports the typical e-ink display for reading along with a color screen that is touch sensitive on the bottom for browsing the B&N digital bookstore.

The Nook proved to be much more popular for Barnes & Noble than the book giant had predicted leading to supply issued that ultimately conspired to prevent the Nook from being available in significant numbers this Christmas season. The Nook is sold out right now until 2010.

B&N had previously stated that those who ordered the Nook before November 20 would receive the eReader before Christmas. B&N is now backtracking a bit and is saying it will do everything it can to get the Nook out to those who ordered before November 20.

InformationWeek quotes B&N spokesperson Mary Ellen Keating from an email, "We are starting to ship this week and are committed to doing everything we can to ensure everyone who ordered a Nook before November 20th will receive it in time for the holidays. Due to the high demand, we are prioritizing our pre-order."

It appears that lots of reading fans hoping to get a Nook will end up with a certificate under the tree rather than the actual product. Alternatively, the Kindle might replace the Nook since it is available readily this Christmas season.

Those hoping to snag a Nook at B&N retail stores should formulate a backup plan. Keating said, "[Nooks in retail stores will be available in] very limited inventory [and will be sold] at a date yet to be determined."