Hope you got your 16GB Nexus 7 already. Google is no longer taking orders for the $249 model. It’s sold out. The product page on Google Play now sports a “coming soon” message and an input field for buyers to leave their email to be notified when the 16GB model is available again. The $199 8GB is still available with a shipping estimate of 3-5 days.
Citing sources close to Google, the Guardian reports that “the search giant seriously underestimated the demand for the 16GB version of its 7in Nexus 7 tablet.” Orders placed through last week will be fulfilled, but due to insufficient stock, Google is no longer taking orders for the model. There’s no word when the model be available again.
By all accounts the Nexus 7 is an impressive tablet with an even more impressive price. It outshines the Kindle Fire in nearly every regard with a better screen, improved performance, and a better user interface. Google has a winner with the Nexus 7, which is confirmed by the short supply.
The Nexus 7 is Google’s first entry into the tablet race. While the tablet is built by Asus, it carries Google branding. In fact, as far as I can see, the Asus name is nowhere to be found on either the Nexus 7’s product page or minisite.
A so-called iPad mini is rumored to hit the market later this year. With a rumored price of $249, the smaller iPad would likely steal some of the Nexus 7’s hype. Amazon is also rumored to release a revamped 7-inch Kindle Fire alongside a larger model that will directly take on the iPad. But as it sits right now, the Nexus 7 is the hottest small tablet available — but good luck getting one.