Google’s Pixel Slate convertible PC is the newest showcase product for its browser-based Chrome OS. Announced on Oct. 9 at the Made by Google event, it aims to
Google’s Pixel Slate convertible PC is the newest showcase product for its browser-based Chrome OS. Announced on Oct. 9 at the Made by Google event, it aims to show the world that Chromebooks are for premium users, too. Starting at $849, it’s available now for pre-order from the Google Store.
The Pixel Slate isn’t the first high-end Chromebook Google has released, that honor belongs to the Pixelbook, an attractive laptop that features a 360-degree hinge. The new Pixel Slate is an extension to the Chromebook family and opens the Pixel line to the convertibles frontier.
Despite its deceptively thin profile, the Pixel Slate is noticeably heavier than the average tablet. At 1.6 lbs, it weighs about the same as the Microsoft Surface Pro (1.7 lbs). Its Pixel Slate keyboard cover – a mandatory accessory if you want any sort of productivity – adds another 1.1 lbs.
The weight isn’t without cause. The unit is expertly crafted from aluminum and edge-to-edge glass. Though the raw aluminum back attracted fingerprints like crazy and may be equally prone to scratches, the build of the unit does provide some assurance regarding its longevity. Though it’s somewhat heavy, it’s equally compact as most Ultrabooks and had no problems slipping into my backpack.
Being a convertible, the Pixel Slate can transform into a tablet by detaching the keyboard cover from the base. While it’s great for great for quickly passing it to others for viewing, I had a hard time using it during my commute due to its sheer size. It’s just too big for getting work done on a crowded train.
There isn’t much to complain about its 12.
