The Pixelbook is out of stock on Google’s store and many wonder if it will have a successor. Probably, but if not, I’m OK with that. Here’s why.
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After 80 hours of using the $849 Pixelbook Go, I have to admit that Google changed my mind from “meh” to “oh yeah!” Is it worth the premium price? Yes, but not for everyone.
Launched today, Pixelbook Go starts at $649. It’s aimed at “people on the go” but aren’t we all? And I can’t help but think this is a slight reworking of the Pixel Slate in a laptop form factor.
When leaked images and specs of the Pixelbook Go appeared, I wondered, “Who and what is this Chromebook for?” There are many reasons that Stadia could be the answer. Does “Go” mean “Gaming Online”?
An FCC filing from Quanta shows a device with fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. With the FCC ID number looking similar to the Pixelbook and Pixel Slate, this could be the first real hardware info on the Pixelbook’s successor, the Atlas Chromebook.
From a rough launch to the end of the base model, the Pixel Slate has not been kind to Google. The company says it will no longer make Chrome OS tablets but instead will focus on traditional Chromebook form factors.
Google is reportedly getting out of the Chromebook hardware business but we don’t know why, or if it’s even true. If it is, the negative impact is minimal and there could even be some positive aspect to come.
Internally, the $499 Samsung Chromebook Plus v2 and base Google Pixel Slate at $599 are generally the same so performance should be comparable. You’ll have to decide if you want to pay a premium for a true tablet.
At $199, the Pixel Slate Keyboard is a pricey accessory. But the design, engineering, and the generous trackpad make it stand out from Apple’s iPad Pro keyboard. Take a look.
Since the #MadeByGoogle event is on Tuesday, there’s still time for one last Monday night leak. This one comes from the always dependable Evan Blass, showing the Pixel Slate attached to its thin keyboard.
Need a hands free way to wake up the Pixel Slate? It’s likely you’ll have one since Google recently added a Wake on Voice function to its first Chrome OS tablet, expected to launch on October 9.