Books Beyond Borders

Megan McArdle, The Atlantic: "At least Barnes and Noble should be happy; this erases their biggest competition for bricks-and-mortar pure brick retailing. But looking to the future, they too have to be nervous. All that real estate is expensive, and their margins are under pressure from Wal-Mart on the bricks-and-mortar side, and Amazon on the web. One wonders if the Nook can really make up for those competitive disadvantages."

(Incredibly Awful) Kobo Wireless eReader Launching in Walmart US

If you must do your eReader shopping at Walmart, then do yourself a favor and shop for a Nook. Kobo Blog: "Building on our relationship with Walmart Canada, Kobo’s Wireless eReader will be available in 2500 US Walmart stores across the country starting next week."

The Nook Goes to Walmart

B&N would have gotten a bigger bang announcing this news on a day when Amazon was NOT reporting earnings. Reuters: "The devices, which will also be available on the discount chain's website, will hit Walmart shelves as soon as October 24, Barnes & Noble said in a statement on Thursday. ... Walmart will offer two Nook models -- Nook 3G, which offers free AT&T 3G wireless and WiFi connectivity, as well as NOOK WiFi, a WiFi only model."