No Nook For Christmas? Expect a Gift Certificate.

Good Nook news has been a rarity since the e-reader first hit the scene, but today we finally have some. After pushing delivery dates for Nook preorders well past Christmas, Barnes & Noble has stated that most orders will indeed be shipped in time for the big holiday. For the unlucky folks that don’t receive them by Christmas, $100 gift certificates will be sent along with the late-to-the-party Nook. Given that the Nook only costs $259, an extra $100 should help to take some of the sting out of the late delivery.

With first deliveries set for this week, B&N is also busy preparing a software update, which could be sent out as early as this week. Those that do actually get their Nooks on time should enjoy optimal performance.

The question for Nook givers: do you give the gift certificate to whoever you purchased the Nook for as an apology for the lateness of the gift or is giving a brand new e-reader gift enough to justify keeping it for yourself? [via MSNBC]