Google launches (and sells out of) a $30 Nexus 7 dock

In the better late than never category, Google introduced a simple dock for its Nexus 7 tablet on Wednesday evening. The $29.99 accessory charges a Nexus 7, while propping it up in portrait mode. A 3.5 millimeter headphone jack in the dock supports external speakers when playing music from the tablet, which also supports wireless music playback over Bluetooth. Sadly, in what’s becoming a recurring theme, the dock is sold out as of Thursday morning.

I bought a Nexus 7 after reviewing one last July but later sold it in favor of an iPad mini; not because Google’s tablet didn’t have a dock available, but because I use multiple mobile platforms to maintain perspective. If I still had my Nexus 7, however, I’d be quite miffed for two reasons. It really shouldn’t take a half-year or more to introduce simple accessories for a product. And once they finally arrive, why add insult to injury by not producing enough inventory?

The odd thing to me is that it’s not as if Google doesn’t know how many Nexus 7 tablets have been sold. Yes, the tablet can be purchased outside of the Google Play store at some brick-and-mortar retailers, but Google surely keeps track of Nexus 7 activations.

While it can’t predict demand perfectly, Google — with all of its data and algorithms — should have a better handle on expected demand; especially if it wants to really compete in the hardware market with Nexus devices, Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.