Barnes & Noble has confirmed that its Nook e-reader is all sold out, which means that only customers who had pre-ordered it would be able to get it for the holidays. Those planning to pick them up for stores around Christmas will now have to wait till January 4, 2010. Also, customers who placed their orders on or after Friday will have to wait until after the holidays.

"While we increased production based on the high consumer interest, we've sold out of our initial nook allotment available for delivery before the holidays", the company said in a statement. Pre-orders have managed to exceed the company's expectations.

Although B&N has not disclosed how many e-readers have been sold, the company did say that it is trying its best to rev up the supply to meet the demand. Customers who were looking to buy a Nook as a Christmas or Hanukkah present are being offered a certificate to present which will entitle the holder to a Nook as soon as it is in stock.

E-readers, which are expected to be a popular gift this year, are fast disappearing off the shelves. In addition to B&N announcing that the Nook has been sold out, Sony Corp. has also shared that its Daily Edition reader might be delayed in hitting the markets and might overshoot Christmas.

Amidst all the commotion, Amazon's Kindle seems to be racing ahead of competition. Not only is it the most popular e-reader around, but is also well in stock.

(Via TopNews Singapore)