Get a first-gen Nexus 7 tablet for $139

The Google Nexus 7. (Credit: Google) I know it's not Tablet Tuesday, but this seemed too good to pass up.

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I know it's not Tablet Tuesday, but this seemed too good to pass up.

Today only, and while supplies last, Staples has the first-generation Google Nexus 7 tablet (16GB) for $139 shipped (plus sales tax where applicable). It's new, not refurbished, and the lowest price I've seen on this much-ballyhooed model.

Last year, Android fanboys went gaga over the Nexus 7 (as did CNET), lauding its sharp screen, great battery life, and overall design.

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Personally, I can't say I fully understand the appeal, except perhaps that this is among the few "pure" Android tablets, with an unadulterated, bloatware-free version of Android 4.2 onboard.

But no expansion slot? No rear camera? And a paltry 1,280x800-pixel screen resolution? Actually, I'm fine with most of those specs, but it always struck me as odd that a Google-branded tablet wouldn't put Android's best foot forward.

Anyway.

If you check the nearly 400 user reviews on Staples' product page, you'll see that the vast majority of buyers positively loved the Nexus 7. And CNET's Editors' Choice award definitely indicates a great overall tablet experience.

Plus, $139! That's a pretty sweet price on a tablet that sold for $199 as recently as four months ago. This would no doubt make a great gift for anyone who doesn't yet own a tablet. And if you're in the market for a secondary tablet to use as, say, a dedicated photo frame or music server or e-reader, this is tough to beat. Thoughts?

Bonus deal: Just to really complicate your decision, Amazon is offering a 15-percent discount on any Kindle, Kindle Fire HD 7, or Kindle Fire HDX 7 when you enter coupon code ThnksFAA at checkout. That works out to $118.15 for the HD 7 or $194.65 for the HDX 7. Pretty sweet!

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