Google just took the wraps off a new Chromebook device at its hardware event today. The company is launching its new Pixel Slate, a premium Chromebook tablet that’s supposed to compete with the likes of Microsoft’s Surface Pro and Apple’s iPad Pro.
Pixel Slate comes with a detachable keyboard, as well as a stylus. Google seems to have massively tweaked Chrome OS with a new tablet UI for the Pixel Slate, with a new back button and a permanent app launcher that provides quick access to your frequent apps. The updated app launcher on the device comes with Google Assistant integrated into the quick launcher.
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The device features a gorgeous 12.3-inch display with a resolution of 3000×2000 pixels — producing up to 6 million pixels, Type-C ports, and no headphone jack. The lack of the headphone jack would mean you will be forced to use either a wireless headphone or wired Type-C ones. The device even includes a fingerprint scanner for unlocking, which is a first for any Chromebook. The device includes double front-facing speakers, supposed to output really good sound. Google says the front-facing speakers, combined with the beautiful display, is supposed to provide the best entertainment experience, and so the company is giving away 3 months of free YouTube TV with the Pixel Slate.
Another interesting component? Rounded keys on the detachable, folio keyboard — yep:
The detachable keyboard on the pixel Slate means you will be able to heavily customize the device with your own likings, including buying things like third-party keyboards or even sleeves for your device. Should be quite interesting. But the one you can get right now is quite expensive, coming in at $199.
In terms of the specs, the device is powered by Intel’s 8th gen processors and you can get up to the Intel Core i7 chips (starts with Intel Celeron). You can even get up to 16GB of RAM on the device, though you probably won’t need such a large amount of RAM on a Chromebook The device includes 8MP front facing and rear facing cameras, both of which include support for portrait mode. The front camera includes a wide-angle sensor that’s perfect for video calls, at least according to Google.
Pixel Slate starts at $599, with the keyboard being sold separately for $199. The pen is sold separately for $99. Available later this year, comes only in Midnight Blue.
skane2600
<blockquote><em><a href="#351577">In reply to Detective Polarphant:</a></em></blockquote><p>It would be interesting to know why they didn't use ARM. It's not as if anyone expects to run Win32 programs on it.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><em><a href="#351655">In reply to Angusmatheson:</a></em></blockquote><p>So the goal would be to sell more Windows licenses?</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><em><a href="#352129">In reply to JG1170:</a></em></blockquote><p>So few people perform side-loading that I can't imagine that allowing it or not allowing it has any significant effect on the success of a platform.</p>