The Pixel C: Not A Chromebook, And Not An Entry-Level Device, Either

The Chromebook Pixel was Google’s shot at producing a premium Chromebook, as the product line was originally intended to be a more affordable alternative to Windows-based systems. Recently, Google announced a new addition to the line, the Pixel C, a convertible tablet that seems to be Google’s effort at competing with the Microsoft Surface product line.

Unlike the other Chromebooks, though, the Pixel-branded machine would not be carrying Google’s “other” OS. Rather, it will carry the Android Marshmallow, which may give the device more flexibility and robustness as a tablet.

The Android is definitely better developed and more robust than Chrome OS. What is more is that the Google Play Store’s ecosystem is more mature and has more, better coded apps than the Chrome Store. Thus, the choice of Android M is definitely a well-thought-out decision.

There was no mention of retiring the Chrome OS, and it is just as well. The OS has its own niche, and may be a better platform for lean, non-touch screen laptops.

Ron Amadeo’s rather critical review of the device highlights some flaws of the Pixel C’s design: The Ars Technica reporter picks at the “clunky” nature of the gadget, while questioning Google’s choice of Android Marshmallow for the device. He also notes that Google “barely supports” the tablet versions of Google Play Store apps. He also points out that the browser on the Pixel C is not as good as the browser on a ChromeOS device. However, he does hail the hardware design as sturdy, and its magnet mechanism as “powerful.”

Here are the specs for the Pixel C:

Processor/Chipset: 8-core NVIDIA Tegra X1, 64-bit ARM CPU, 4x A57 Cortex 2MB L2; 4x A53 Cortex 512KB L2

RAM: 3GB RAM

GPU: NVIDIA 256-core Maxwell GPU

OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Internal Storage: 32GB for the $499 model; 64GB for the $599 model

Display: 10.2-inch display with a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1800 pixels, 308 ppi pixel density

Cameras: Primary: 8MP; Secondary: 2MP

Goodies: Snap-on keyboard powered with magnets

The Pixel C will come in at $499 for the 32 GB model, while the 64 GB model comes in at $599. The keyboard will be an additional $149.

Engadget notes that the “C” in “Pixel C” stands for “convertible.” Nicole Lee of Engadget has an objective to favorable review of the Pixel C, noting that the device’s laptop mode with the keyboard is rather sturdy. So sturdy, that to take both parts apart to use the Pixel C as a tablet entails a motion akin to snapping a Kitkat bar apart. She also points out that the Pixel C’s snap-on mechanism is powered by rather sturdy magnets. This is very indicative of one of the Pixel C’s strengths.

Either way, it is really up to the end-users to judge. If they deem that the total price tag for the two parts of the device is worth it, then that will drive the market for the Pixel C.

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The Reviews Of The Pixel C On Ars Technica And Engadget:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/09/google-pixel-c-hands-on-a-well-built-but-clunky-convertible-android-tablet/

https://www.engadget.com/2015/09/29/google-pixel-c-hands-on/

A Chromebook Release By Toshiba:

https://www.droidreport.com/toshiba-release-chromebook-2-october-11298