Thanks to @ebooknoir for the tip.
This is a quad-core 1.2Ghz Allwinner A31s-based iPad mini clone with 1024 x 768 resolution, 1GB of RAM, 8GBs of internal storage, Bluetooth, WiFi, microSD card slot, microUSB, micro-HMDI-out, 0.3MP front and 3MP back cameras, and Android 4.4.
In NYC, Staples has a sketchy record when it comes to things actually being “in stock” at a store. Being in stock doesn’t mean there’s a demo model out to fondle, only that there’s at least one box you can pay for and take away. So although their site says there are three Staples I could go to for it, I’ve decided not to. The Allwinner A31s has an AnTuTu score in the 12,000-range. Besides, I doubt Staples would have any demo model connected to WiFi (they rarely do) so aside from pawing at it, I wouldn’t be able to do any useful testing.
A light Googling revealed three threads people might want to read before sinking eighty bucks: XDA developers, Android Central, and Phandroid. None of them are about this specific model but indicate to me what any buyer would be stepping into.
Oh, and as for that name, “Nobis”? I’m sure it’s an anagram. Either for “Bison” or more likely for “iSnob.”