Google has finally released the Pixel C, their latest Android tablet meets laptop replacement device, to the Google Play Store. The Pixel C was announced at the Android Marshmallow and Nexus event a few months ago and it has only been a matter of when the Mountain View company would release it. That wait has ended today with the 32GB unit starting out a $499 while the 64Gb until will start at $599.
Like Apple with the iPad Pro, Google is trying to develop an answer for the Microsoft Surface which this past month out sold the iPad lineup. Google’s focus with the Pixel C is like the iPad Pro which is to bring laptop-like functionality in an easy-to-use and highly available device. While it will remain to be seen if the 10.2″ display device will meet the need, many Android users and fans have been waiting for its release.
The Google Pixel C Sports Laptop-Like Specs
Powering the unit is the NVIDIA Tegra X1 with Maxwell GPU along with 3GB or RAM. It has a 2560 x 1800 display with approximately 308PPI. As you would expect, it runs Android Marshmallow and 8MP rear camera and a 2MP
Google Pixel C
front facing camera.
Like the Surface from Microsoft, the Pixel C has an optional keyboard which connects magnetically to the chassis for an additional $149 and that keyboard is charged while it is stored with the device so you will always have keyboard power. That means if you want the unit with the keyboard on a 32GB model, you are looking at $648 with free shipping.
There has been a lot of speculation as to the direction that Google will take with the Chrome OS platform and Android and it could well be we are seeing some inklings of their plans. With the Pixel C running Android and a heavy amount of focus on that platform, while we may not see Chrome OS go away entirely, we could see it diminished. The key will be the price point however as you can get a Chromebook for sub-$200.
So what do you think? Are you excited about the Pixel C? I for one have been waiting for this device to hit the market and I can’t wait to see how it performs in the lightweight laptop replacement category.
