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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