Black Friday

[Jeremy8000]

Anyone looking for a travel mouse, the latest Microsoft Arc Mouse works like a champ (and both vertical and horizontal touch scrolling function perfectly) - definitely slimmest I've seen, adds almost no bulk to the case.

 

[B. Diddy]

@Jeremy8000, do you have the Pen? If so, do you have something to keep it attached to the Slate, or is it just freestanding? On my Pixelbook, I have the Bellroy sleeve/clip which works nicely, but I'd be afraid something like that would scratch up the glossy bezel of the Slate.

 

[Jeremy8000]

@Jeremy8000, do you have the Pen? If so, do you have something to keep it attached to the Slate, or is it just freestanding? On my Pixelbook, I have the Bellroy sleeve/clip which works nicely, but I'd be afraid something like that would scratch up the glossy bezel of the Slate.

I do have it - wouldn't have spent $100 for it separately, but am happy with it having been included with the promotional bundle. I picked up an inexpensive sleeve from Amazon for around $15 which is an absolutely perfect fit for the Slate with the Brydge keyboard, and there's a zippered pocket where I keep the Pen, an Arc mouse, and a few other assorted accessories, so no worries about scratches.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075GFFV8C?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6700241 is the case.

 

[ezdoit]

My BF Pixel Slate order package was never completed due to a mix up. Today I was able to duplicate the deal and although I have to wait - at least I'm getting what I want at about 1/2 price. Throw in the Google Fi gift of a Google Next mini and it's a great day to be me.

Pixel 3 - Pixel 4 - Pixel Slate - Pixel Pen - Keyboard - Google Next mini -

 

[kakos26]

Absolutely loving mine. replaced my laptop with the slate and got the brydge with the best buy combo deal (pen&g keyboard) The device is stunning and m3 is super fast. real happy with this deal!

 

[ezdoit]

Absolutely loving mine. replaced my laptop with the slate and got the brydge with the best buy combo deal (pen&g keyboard) The device is stunning and m3 is super fast. real happy with this deal!

Glad to hear that - thanks!

 

[ezdoit]

What is, if any, the advantage of the Brydge keyboard?

 

[kakos26]

I heard it gives it a more laptop feel. I found one luckily on FB marketplace for $20 shipped brand new so had to do it. Haven't used it yet, you'd be fine with just the Google keyboard as it's sleek and great just doesn't sit flush on your lap. I mainly use it on a desk so it's perfect. I thought having both would give me options and they're half off retail ($80) now, so you can try it and see what you like best.

 

[ezdoit]

I heard it gives it a more laptop feel. I found one luckily on FB marketplace for $20 shipped brand new so had to do it. Haven't used it yet, you'd be fine with just the Google keyboard as it's sleek and great just doesn't sit flush on your lap. I mainly use it on a desk so it's perfect. I thought having both would give me options and they're half off retail ($80) now, so you can try it and see what you like best.

I found the same Slate deal, but with the Google Keyboard at Best Buy for $2.00 lees - AND - I'll have it in 2 days - canceled Google Store order and ordered from BB. If I don't like the Google keyboard, I'll get the Brydge one - BB has it for $79.00.

 

[Wildo6882]

I do have it - wouldn't have spent $100 for it separately, but am happy with it having been included with the promotional bundle. I picked up an inexpensive sleeve from Amazon for around $15 which is an absolutely perfect fit for the Slate with the Brydge keyboard, and there's a zippered pocket where I keep the Pen, an Arc mouse, and a few other assorted accessories, so no worries about scratches.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075GFFV8C?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUacUvbUpU6708085 is the case.

Does that size fit the Slate? Is it snug? I’m thinking about getting an M3 now with the deal being live again.

 

[Jeremy8000]

Does that size fit the Slate? Is it snug? I’m thinking about getting an M3 now with the deal being live again.

The link should take you to the correct selection, but to be clear in the event it doesn't, it's the one listed as "11.6 inch / 12 inch New Macbook" - fits great with the keyboard. Not too snug, nor does it wiggle around from extra room. I can't speak to it with the Google Keyboard as I have the Brydge, but I can't imagine there's much difference in thickness between the two and the length/width would presumably be identical, matching the dimensions of the Slate itself.

Edit - didn't realize the deal was live on Google's store again, too. Looks like you have the option of either keyboard. If you plan on using it on your lap, the Brydge is probably the better option as it will be stable there; the general consensus I've seen in reviews for the Google version is that it doesn't work as well there, though is exceptional on a stable surface.

 

[Wildo6882]

The link should take you to the correct selection, but to be clear in the event it doesn't, it's the one listed as "11.6 inch / 12 inch New Macbook" - fits great with the keyboard. Not too snug, nor does it wiggle around from extra room. I can't speak to it with the Google Keyboard as I have the Brydge, but I can't imagine there's much difference in thickness between the two and the length/width would presumably be identical, matching the dimensions of the Slate itself.

Edit - didn't realize the deal was live on Google's store again, too. Looks like you have the option of either keyboard. If you plan on using it on your lap, the Brydge is probably the better option as it will be stable there; the general consensus I've seen in reviews for the Google version is that it doesn't work as well there, though is exceptional on a stable surface.

Thanks! I’m a bit torn on which keyboard to get. How does the Brydge charge? I would guess my usage would be 50/50. I really just want something that would be used to easily browse the internet and apps but still get some work done, too. I’m an iPhone user but I don’t want an iPad and I don’t want to spend over $1k for a Mac for what I would use it for. $450 is much more my speed.

 

[Jeremy8000]

Thanks! I’m a bit torn on which keyboard to get. How does the Brydge charge? I would guess my usage would be 50/50. I really just want something that would be used to easily browse the internet and apps but still get some work done, too. I’m an iPhone user but I don’t want an iPad and I don’t want to spend over $1k for a Mac for what I would use it for. $450 is much more my speed.

It charges by USB-C. I don't use it excessively, but haven't had to recharge it yet since first getting it right before Black Friday.

I have zero complaints about the Brydge. Haven't used the Google version - a few pluses for it would be that it is a little lighter and offers a bit of protection. If I didn't know I would be using it as a lap device is likely have gone that route.

Hopefully someone who has that one can chime in with dinner thoughts .

 

[B. Diddy]

What is, if any, the advantage of the Brydge keyboard?

I chose the Brydge because I would rather convert the tablet to a true laptop form factor, rather than dealing with the folding portfolio case. The main disadvantage is that it's Bluetooth, so there have been a couple of times when it had some trouble reconnecting upon waking the Slate again. Battery life of the keyboard is supposedly good for up to 6 months on a single charge, but there's no way I can tell to gauge the current battery level. Also, the Brydge does add some significant weight to the whole combination (due to its own battery) -- it's noticeably heavier than the Pixelbook.

I haven't used the folio keyboard much, but I've heard that typing can be a bit annoying, depending on what you're used to. It sounds like there's slightly more space between keys than on a standard keyboard. Typing on the Brydge is great -- on par with the Pixelbook.

 

[ezdoit]

@B.Diddy - thanks for the info - I ended up adding the Brydge keyboard to the order so I will have both to try.