Chromebook, ChromeOS and Google Chrome browser news
I’ve said more than once that most people would be better served by the Google Pixelbook than the Pixel Slate. Now you can nab one for $200 off, regardless of model directly from Google. Or get it from Best Buy with a free Home Mini.
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.
Pixelbook and Pixel Slate owners have been asking Google for the ability to remap the dedicated Assistant key. It looks like the option will be added to a future release of Chrome OS.
The Pixelbook and four other fairly new Chromebooks have the special flag to enable GPU acceleration, making these the first to get the new feature for Linux. This should bring the Android emulator and improved gaming capabilities to Project Crostini.
Looking to start 2019 with a new Chromebook? Best Buy is selling certified refurbished Pixelbooks for $599.99, which is a bit less expensive than recent sale pricing on this powerhouse 2-in-1 laptop.
Recent internal testing of Microsoft Windows dual booting on the Pixelbook suggests Project Campfire is nearing the home stretch. Is Windows on a Chromebook something you might want? Don’t worry: Like Android and Linux, it’s optional for Chrome OS.
Is the Pixel Slate a tablet first and laptop second? Can you be productive solely with a tablet or do you really need a keyboard? We tackled these and other related questions on This Week in Google, where perhaps some initial device perceptions were changed.
After a false start with a November 22 retail availability date, my Pixel Slate pre-order has shipped and should arrive later this week. I’d expect inventory at Best Buy to be soon released as well.
With a wide range of Chromebooks now available for every budget and performance preference, you can find a deal on just about any type of Chromebook. Here’s a list of some of the Black Friday Chromebook deals.
With newer, more powerful processors, extra screen real estate and a lower price point than the Pixelbook, Acer’s Chromebook Spin 13 is ideal for power users or enterprise customers, minus a few small nits.
So you’ve decided to buy a Pixel Slate once it becomes available. Ok, but which of the five configurations should you get? Here’s a guide to help you through the process, regardless of your budget.
