B and N says Nook OK because of multi-platform

Barnes & Noble chief Steve Riggio today said during a fiscal results call that the iPad shouldn't be a major concern for his company's health. The executive asserted that, while having a self-branded e-reader is "critical," Barnes & Noble isn't dependent on a single platform and offers its bookstore on the iPhone as well as the BlackBerry and most computers. While also true of Amazon's Kindle store, hardware is argued less important at Barnes & Noble.

Riggio instead views the Nook as a "halo" device meant both to encourage e-book downloads as well as to get customers into retail stores.

Regarding sales, the CEO claimed the Nook was his firm's "single best-selling product" but as in the past declined to provide specific numbers for this or for e-book downloads. The "strategic nature" of the e-book business prevents it, Riggio said.

The Nook is so far considered the largest conventional rival to the Kindle and is priced the same $259 despite a handful of advantages, such as a secondary color touchscreen used for the interface, Wi-Fi, and the potential for third-party apps through Android. However, many anticipate it facing stiff competition from Apple as the high profile and general-purpose nature of the iPad could give it sales that offset the higher $499 price.

By Electronista Staff