Staples begins taking pre-orders for Google Nexus 7

Staples has begun taking pre-orders for Google’s upcoming Nexus 7 tablet, the company announced Monday.

The office supply retailer said pre-sales for the device have begun at its stores across the nation as well as through its website. Staples is offering the 8 GB and 16 GB versions of the Nexus 7 for $199 and $249, respectively.

Staples said anyone who pre-orders Monday or Tuesday can expect their tablet to arrive as early as Thursday and no later than July 17. Staples also said the pre-orders will come with free shipping.

The Nexus 7 will also make its way to Staples stores later this month, although no specific date was made available.

“Staples is a leader in offering the latest technology for small businesses and consumers, and we are thrilled to offer early availability of this amazing new product,� said Mike Edwards, Staples’ executive vice president of retail merchandising, in a statement. “We invite customers to come in and experience a live demonstration of Nexus 7 at one of our U.S. locations or enjoy the convenience of free shipping when ordering on Staples.com.�

The Nexus 7, which was announced last month at Google’s developer conference, can also be pre-ordered through the online Google Play store. The tablet is expected to arrive for the first wave of customers in mid-July, and is available from Google Play at the same prices as Staples.

The 16 GB version of the tablet can also be pre-ordered from GameStop for $249 along with free shipping. The video game retailer offers discounts on the Nexus 7 when customers trade in video games, Apple mobile products or select Android devices, but GameStop’s Nexus 7s are not expected to arrive before Staples’.

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