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Get a Nook Simple Touch e-reader for $49.99

It's refurbished, but don't let that stop you from saving $50 on the price of a new one. Because you get the same one-year warranty.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read
Barnes & Noble

A quick note to my fellow Michiganders: The Cheapskate will be appearing tomorrow, Dec. 5, at the Ypsilanti Public Library, at 7 p.m. I'll be there to share the secrets of saving money on all things tech, naturally. Hope you can make it!

So, hey, remember Black Friday, when one of the big doorbuster deals at Target was a Nook Simple Touch e-reader for 50 bucks? Well, it's back, and you don't have to go anywhere near a door -- or a store, for that matter.

While supplies last, Walmart has the refurbished Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch e-reader for $49.99 shipped, plus sales tax where applicable.

Although it's a refurb, it's covered by a full one-year warranty, same as new Nooks. Speaking of which, this model sells new for $99.

True to its name, the Simple Touch relies on a touch screen for flipping e-ink pages, navigating menus, and so on. CNET rated it four stars and called it a "major advancement" over its predecessor.

There's an argument to be made, of course, that the e-reader's days are over, or at least seriously numbered, now that full-blown tablets like the Kindle Fire can be had for as little as $159.

On the other hand, many readers prefer an e-ink screen to one that's backlit, as the former is not only easier on the eyes, but also far better for outdoor reading (i.e., pool, beach, patio, etc.). Plus, you don't have all the distractions afforded by a tablet (e-mail, Words with Friends, etc.); it's just you and your book.

And make no mistake: $50 is not the same as $159. Or $199. At this price, I expect Walmart will burn through its inventory fairly quickly. So if you're looking for a gift for yourself or someone else, I'd grab this quick.

Watch this: New Nook e-reader

Bonus deal: I love rechargeable batteries, especially when they're cheap. Today only, and while supplies last, Woot Sellout has the iGo Charger with 12 AA and 4 AAA batteries for $19.99, plus $5 for shipping. The charger can handle up to eight batteries at a time. I grabbed a similar set a while back, and they've been great.

Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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