The holiday season shopping is in full swing and retailers are lining up attractive offers to lure customers. For those who are on a budget and are looking for an e-reader, Barnes & Noble (B&N) is set to offer the NOOK Simple Touch for just $79.

Starting Sunday, Dec. 9, B&N will be retailing its NOOK Simple Touch e-reader at a $20 discount. The regular price of the e-reader is $99. However, this variant is a basic version and does not come with a backlight.

 "Just in time for the holidays, this new low pricing makes the critically acclaimed NOOK Simple Touch a terrific, affordable gift for anyone on the gift list," said Jamie Iannone, President of Digital Products at NOOK Media LLC. "Since its launch NOOK Simple Touch has been universally praised by the media, and at just $79, it is not only the highest-rated Reader in the under-$100 category, but also the best value. Customers can now get this award-winning device, along with NOOK's best-in-class digital reading experience at an unbeatable price."

The NOOK Simple Touch sports an easy-to-use 6-inch touchscreen (800 x 600 pixels resolution) with the "world's most advanced E Ink Pearl display." B&N claims that the device "combines an ergonomic design with a paper-like, glare-free readability, even in bright sunlight" and is 80 percent less flashing  and has 25 percent faster page turns than any other e-reader.

The NOOK Simple Touch also has adjustable text with seven font sizes and six font styles. The device measures 6.5 x 5.0 x 0.47 inches and weighs just 7.48 ounces. The device is feather light and "features an ergonomic form with a soft-touch back that's comfortable to hold for hours."

NOOK Simple Touch also offers users access to the  NOOK Store, which has more than three million digital books that range from new releases and bestsellers to classics, children's books, newspapers, and magazines.     

Interested consumers can buy the NOOK Simple Touch at any of the B&N retail stores or online at www.nook.com from Dec. 9. The e-reader is also available for purchase at other leading retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart.

Will the NOOK Simple Touch make it to your holiday shopping list?