Google announced its first Nexus tablet in more than a year yesterday, and it looks to be a good one. The Nexus 9 is expected to be a premium tablet in terms of its specs, build quality, price and performance--a combination that would be a first for Google's Nexus tablets. The Nexus 9 won't officially launch until Nov. 3, however, those eager to pick up the tablet can begin pre-ordering the device today from various retailers, and we're breaking down exactly where to go to secure your Nexus today.
Google Play Store (Wi-Fi Only)
This is the most obvious place Android fans can pre-order their Nexus 9. Currently, the Play Store has both the black and white color (Wi-Fi only) options available for pre-order, with either 16 or 32 GB storage options. The 16 GB Wi-Fi only models are $399 and the 32 GB Wi-Fi only models are $479. The sand color is currently not available, though it is expected to be on sale at some point before the end of the year. Also listed but not yet available is the LTE Nexus 9.
Those who pre-order now can expect the device to ship within "2 - 3 weeks" according to the Play Store.
Google will also be selling a specially designed magnetic screen cover for the Nexus 9, which also doubles as a stand for the device. It comes in four color options and will retail for $39.99 when it becomes available.
There is also a keyboard folio coming soon which acts as both a cover and a keyboard for the Nexus 9. It is priced at $129.00 and is currently listed as unavailable.
Best Buy (Wi-Fi & LTE)
Best Buy is also currently offering both 16 and 32GB black or white configurations of the Nexus 9 for $399 and $479, respectively, and they also have the black 32 GB LTE model available for pre-order for $599. The LTE model says it works with T-Mobile, so if you're not a fan of their network, you'll have to wait for your LTE-ready Nexus. Best Buy pre-orders of the Nexus 9 are for shipping only. Pick up is currently not an option, based on what the website says.
HTC (Wi-Fi Only)
HTC also has the Wi-Fi only models of the Nexus 9 available for pre-order in both the 16 or 32 GB options and in either black or white for $399 and $479, respectively. Their website claims that orders will ship on October 31 but only to addresses within the 50 U.S. States and District of Columbia.
Specs
The Nexus 9 has an 8.9-inch display, which puts it right in the middle of the sizes of the iPad mini (7.9 inches) and the iPad Air (9.9 inches). Its IPS LCD display is set at a 4:3 aspect ratio (like the iPads) and at a QXGA resolution of 2048 x 1536. It also has NVIDIA's Tegra K1 dual-core 2.3 GHz 64 bit processor and a Kepler GPU. HTC included front-facing Boom Sound speakers on the tablet, much like on their flagship HTC One M8 smart phone. The Nexus 9 has an 8 mega-pixel rear camera, NFC compatibility and a gigantic 6700 mAH battery.
