Barnes & Noble has began shipping NOOKcolor ahead of schedule to customers who pre-ordered devices. The first full-color touch Reader’s Tablet will begin arriving today and through the week to customers who pre-ordered the device online and reserved units in Barnes & Noble stores.

Live demonstration units that will allow customers the opportunity to touch the future of reading, along with very limited quantities of devices available for purchase, will start arriving in Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Walmart and Books-A-Million stores beginning this week.

As Barnes & Noble continues to fill pre-orders and in-store reservations for devices, there will initially be a limited inventory of NOOKcolor in Barnes & Noble and partner stores. Those ordering NOOKcolor online this week can expect their device to ship on or around November 26, a date that the company will continue to adjust as it manages supply with high consumer demand.

NOOKcolor features a stunning 7-inch VividView Color Touchscreen and delivers digital books, magazines, newspapers and children’s books in rich, gorgeous color – all in one beautiful, thin and highly portable device.  

Following the product’s announcement on October 26, Barnes & Noble began taking NOOKcolor pre-orders for the $249 device at www.NOOKcolor.com and reserving units in its Barnes & Noble stores.