So today the Nexus 7 tablet started shipping.

You've been reading about it since June, weighed its reviews and its comparisons to Amazon's Kindle (here's one selected totally at random), and decided whether or not you want it.

If you decided to give it a whirl and you were smart, you pre-ordered. But if, like us, you're not the kind of person who plans ahead, then it's probably time to practice a little patience. You're not likely to find one in a store that isn't on hold for somebody, and your best bet is to try to order one.

Here too, you've probably got a wait ahead of you. Demand for the android is strong, and many online stores are on back-order.

To save you time, here's a sampling of places you shouldn't bother trying, and a list of places that look promising (NOTE: this is how they look at time of writing, but you can click the name and see for yourself).

Staples is out of the Nexus 7. Their website suggests trying back between July 14 and 18 "as additional units may become available!"

Adorama is out. You can order one on their website, to be sent to you on a first come, first serve basis. Estimated ship-date is mid-August.

B&H Photo has an estimated ship-date of September 1.

The Canadian site Future Shop has a release day of August 10.

PC Richard sells tablets, but their website makes no mention of the Nexus 7.

Best Buy's site also does not show the Nexus 7. That is, the American Best Buy's site doesn't. Best Buy's Canadian site says that the item is expected to hit their warehouses on August 10.

You wouldn't expect Amazon to carry the Kindle's competitor, but Android Authority says they're actually being pretty magnanimous about the Nexus 7. Even so, it probably won't be for sale on their site tomorrow.

Google Play, not surprisingly, looks like a decent bet. Their site mentions an estimated ship date of between one to two weeks, which isn't bad, compared to most other venues.

An even better bet appears to be Office Depot. Their site, at the moment of writing, has the item listed as "In Stock" and mentions a ship-date of only three to five days from now.

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