Nook e-reader: First verdicts say it's not a Kindle killer, but a worthy challenger

Barnes & Noble's (BKS) dedicated e-reader, nook, still remains a scarce sight as the holidays approach. Early-bird customers who expected their devices to ship on November 30 still haven't received them -- and won't for at least another week.

In-store sales were supposed to begin Monday but have been delayed, The Wall Street Journal reports, so B&N can fulfill those pre-orders first. And potential queue-jumpers who order nook through eBay will have to pay a pretty penny -- an average of more than $200 above the list price -- reflecting the skyrocketing demand.