Barnes & Noble says Nook sold out before holidays

Moreover, e-readers sold in Barnes & Noble stores are in limited supply, said company spokeswoman Mary Ellen Keating.

"We do anticipate having limited stock available in our highest-volume stores over the holidays," Keating said, adding the demand had "exceeded our expectations."

Sony said heavy demand for its latest e-reader, the Daily Edition, meant customers would receive their devices on a "first come, first serve basis" and shipments would not be guaranteed in time for the holidays.

Analysts say Barnes & Noble and Sony may have been too quick out of the gate with their e-readers to take market share away from Amazon, which holds the dominant position and says its Kindle is the best-selling product on its website.

"These two companies wanted to show the market that they would be competition to Amazon for the 2009 holiday season and now they have to face the consequences of that strategy and apologize to consumers for empty boxes under the tree," said Forrester's Rotman Epps.

Gartner Vice President Allen Weiner said the heavy consumer demand was undoubtedly a "positive sign" for the industry.

But he was quick to add: "There may be a lot of e-reader frustration - it may be the Cabbage Patch doll of the year or the Tickle Me Elmo," referring to two popular toys of prior years that sold out quickly.

The various devices -- which range in price from about USD 199 to over USD 400 - allow consumers to view a broad array of books, newspapers and magazines on a tablet-like device that is light and portable.

Amazon - which itself was dogged with similar supply issues last holiday season - said on its website that both its regular Kindle and its larger, pricier version, were both in stock and could be shipped in time for the holidays.