Nook International – Will An International Version Become Available?
By Best-eReaders, June 30, 2010
There’s an interesting conversation on MobileRead among Nook fans who tried to purchase the device from their country. As it turned out, a number of people succeeded in getting one.
The first post was from “Krish”, who was able to order the Nook WiFi directly from the B&N e-store.
“Krish” added that: “You can use your actual outside US shipping address and your credit card (not necessary a US card).”
Some posters pointed out that the only downside to ordering from outside the US is that you have to pay extra for shipping. Shipping in the US is free:
“I ordered the nook Wi-Fi as well as the Dillane Plaid Cover in “Night” (i.e. black), and the total shipping cost for the two was $18.47, which I think is quite reasonable.” – Afa
“I too ordered one. Shipping cost if you order only nook is 12.98USD. Very cheap – similar to getting any paperback book from US. I ordered with industriell cover black and it cost 18.47USD.” – Khai
This comes a little surprising because Barnes & Noble never made any official announcement about the international availability of the Nook. B&N has made it clear in the past they don’t ship to a non-US address.
Internationally shipped Nooks: Some cons
As B&N doesn’t have agreements with cellphone networks and publishers in other countries yet, Nook international users are not able to enjoy some features and conveniences that the device offers:
1. B&N requires than you register the Nook to your B&N account, but you need to be in the US to be eligible for this. There’s no way to get around the rule, as B&N uses IP addressing to check your location. The B&N books you bought on the B&N PC reader won’t work on the Nook unless the device is registered. However, you can view PDF files, play music, access the B&N site, etc from the device.
2. Even if you are able to get a Nook shipped to your address, you will not be able to access the discounted ebooks on the B&N ebookstore. Again, only registered Nooks can download books bought from the B&N store. That’s a shame because a $12 Lost Symbol from B&N would cost you around $25 on BooksonBoard and most retailers.
3. 3G does not work outside of the US. Since you need 3G connection to be able to download books directly from your device, international users don’t get to enjoy the Nook’s 60-second downloads.
Many consumers are pondering: Should they purchase internationally now or wait for an international release? Is there any possibility at all that B&N will release an international version of the Nook?
There are some indications that they may. After all, it’s what they need to compete with the Kindle on the global level.
1. B&N has posted a job ad requiring someone to head their international operations according to TechCrunch. TechCrunch is taking this as a hint that B&N is looking forward to expanding their sales territory beyond the US.
2. B&N understands there is a strong interest in both the Nook and the ability to buy from the B&N eBookstore from people outside the US. Kristine_S of B&N announced that the company is considering options to expand the sales of the Nook. The first step is to enable customers from Canada to shop the B&N store and download purchased books to their Nook or B&N eReader-supported device (eg Blackberry, Mac, PC).
Closing thought
Selling books internationally is complicated by varied publishing rights and copyright issues. It took Amazon a year to work out those copyright problems with the English language publishers that enabled them to release an international version of the Kindle and Kindle DX. It’s not unlikely that B&N is also working to reach a corresponding international agreement. Hopefully they’d be able to get the device out before the year ends.
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