Ho. Lee. Cow. What did Google just do? (Pixel C)

[M Stuart]

If this had an Amoled display I'd be all over it, even without expandable storage. Samsung needs to copy that aspect ratio and resolution for their next S tablet.

 

[recDNA]

I'd prefer a new Phablet

 

[Geodude074]

I'm not sure that Google themselves haven't been comparing their Pixel C with the Microsoft Surface but even if they didn't, just about EVERY review I've seen has, including on this site. And just about all of them say that the Pixel C falls short.

Correct, Google did not compare the Pixel C to the Surface, it was journalists who did. Why are they doing this? Because the iPad Pro was launched as a direct competitor to the Surface. So naturally when Google comes out with a tablet that can be bought with a keyboard OOH ANOTHER SURFACE COMPETITOR THEY COPIED APPLE!!!

As I said before, Android tablets with keyboards have been around for years and they were never once compared to the Surface. Comparing the Pixel C to the Surface is dumb, people need to stop doing it.

 

[Aquila]

Correct, Google did not compare the Pixel C to the Surface, it was journalists who did. Why are they doing this? Because the iPad Pro was launched as a direct competitor to the Surface. So naturally when Google comes out with a tablet that can be bought with a keyboard OOH ANOTHER SURFACE COMPETITOR THEY COPIED APPLE!!!

As I said before, Android tablets with keyboards have been around for years and they were never once compared to the Surface. Comparing the Pixel C to the Surface is dumb, people need to stop doing it.

The first Android tablet I had was the Asus Transformer blahblah which had a keyboard with extra battery in it, etc. The nexus 9 actually looks more like a surface than this does, and it was marketed heavily with the keyboard. But it is to add a little productivity to a toy... whereas the Surface is trying to replace a laptop.

 

[ar-7]

I find this to be an odd device.

There isn't anything unique about 6.0 to make it unique as a tablet/laptop over previous versions of Android. The uniqueness of the Pixel C is all in terms of hardware imo...screen aspect ratio and the keyboard.

When Microsoft came out with the Surface I think it was clear what they though the future of computing was. Same with Apple when they announced the MBA and 2015 MB. Google and the Pixel C? I don't think it is as clear what Google has in mind. This is really about inspiring device makers and I think it is a sign that Android will be more tablet/productivity focused in future releases. That's just me speculating though.

I'm really glad that the Pixel C is something a bit different and doesn't feel like Google is just chasing the iPad crowd which is what I felt like the Nexus 10 and 9 were.

 

[Aquila]

I find this to be an odd device.

There isn't anything unique about 6.0 to make it unique as a tablet/laptop over previous versions of Android. The uniqueness of the Pixel C is all in terms of hardware imo...screen aspect ratio and the keyboard.

When Microsoft came out with the Surface I think it was clear what they though the future of computing was. Same with Apple when they announced the MBA and 2015 MB. Google and the Pixel C? I don't think it is as clear what Google has in mind. This is really about inspiring device makers and I think it is a sign that Android will be more tablet/productivity focused in future releases. That's just me speculating though.

I'm really glad that the Pixel C is something a bit different and doesn't feel like Google is just chasing the iPad crowd which is what I felt like the Nexus 10 and 9 were.

They want to make it easier for people to have a fantastic tablet experience and be able to take over and get some work done when necessary without having to grab another device.

 

[Wildo6882]

This article is definitely interesting when it comes to the Pixel C. Got me thinking a bit.

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2987954/android/google-pixel-c.html

 

[NoNoiPhone4me]

Correct, Google did not compare the Pixel C to the Surface, it was journalists who did. Why are they doing this? Because the iPad Pro was launched as a direct competitor to the Surface. So naturally when Google comes out with a tablet that can be bought with a keyboard OOH ANOTHER SURFACE COMPETITOR THEY COPIED APPLE!!!

As I said before, Android tablets with keyboards have been around for years and they were never once compared to the Surface. Comparing the Pixel C to the Surface is dumb, people need to stop doing it.

While we agree that Google may not be explicitly making the comparison -- and even then, note that I am emphasizing the word "may" because we have not seen their advertising, only their announcement so far -- they are explicitly emphasizing the keyboard in their marketing and that does encourage people to make the comparison. And yes, it is Google themselves who are, at least so far, emphasizing the keyboard option as a key selling point to the Pixel C. It (i.e. the keyboard) is just an option but every press release I've seen talks about it like it is assumed that the keyboard is the reason buyers will buy it.

And yes, that does invite comparisons with the Microsoft Surface.

I will also add that the difference, marketing-wise, between the Pixel C and the iPad Pro with a keyboard is that the latter has established an identity as a device without a keyboard. When someone thinks of an iPad they're probably thinking of something along the lines of, "Oh, a bigger iPad and I can get a keyboard with it if I want to ..." They're thinking it could compete with a Surface but, since iPads in general aren't necessarily thought of as Surface competitors (maybe alternatives but not competitors), the question of "why an iPad Pro and not a Microsoft Surface rarely enters their mind).

Unfortunately, at least from my point of view, the Pixel C does not have the advantage of its own marketing identity. Indeed, the Google Pixel line is an unsuccessful Chromebook-based Surface competitors. Also unfortunately from my point of view, I think the Android-based Pixel C is going to be as unsuccessful in the market as its Chromebook-based namesakes.

Which is a shame, really, because as a tablet the Pixel C looks quite impressive, if expensive. Indeed, as I said before, I might get one. Google makes billions while I ... do not ... but I think the company would be better of by not mentioning the keyboard.

But again, that's just me. YMMV.

 

[Aquila]

The Pixel Chromebook was a failure?

sent via Nvidia Shield Tablet - Android Central Moderator.

 

[Martin De Biasi]

I've been using the N9 and N6 with keyboard almost exclusively for the past 10 months. I probably spend about 4-8 hours a day working on the devices as my job is full time computer oriented.

I was interested to see if Android could be a productivity OS. I have a lot of requirements, photos, photo editing, writing, both in documents and HTML, WordPress administration, email, payments, invoicing, spreadsheets, etc etc.

From my point of view, and with the caveat that there is a steep learning curve, Android is now completely natural as my work OS. I have a Chromebox desktop for those desperate times, but for the most part, android is my go to device.

When I see something like the Pixel C, I'm really excited. While I would love something like the Pixel Chromebook, the size and weight were a bit of a turnoff. I like to keep it light.

The Pixel C has the potential to become my primary computer, and it does so without making my N9 irrelevant. Also, no doubt there will be multiscreen on Android pretty soon. So for me, this hits all the right notes.

Slim, good build, fast, relatively cheap for a premium device, and improves upon the keyboard folio with a functional keyboard aesthetic.

For me this is better than a surface pro, which doesn't work in your lap and it too big to be a tablet, or the macbook, which is shackled with a keyboard. And it's half the price.

 

[NoNoiPhone4me]

The Pixel Chromebook was a failure?
....

First of all, thank you for quoting me accurately. Sincerely. It would be easy to mistake what I was saying but, to your credit, you didn't.

Second and to reply directly to your reply, Yes, I do think the Pixel Chromebooks are a failure. When "you" (or at least, the vast majority of people) think of "Chromebook" Asus and Acer and possibly even HP come to mind; not Pixel. Maybe Google meant the Pixel line of Chromebooks as a technical statement instead of a marketed product but still, how many Pixel Chromebooks have Google sold, compared to Chromebooks sold by some of the others.

Indeed, while I wouldn't exactly call Chromebooks in general a failure, I would still contend that they have not been quite the success that Google and others have hoped because for a few dollars more, most people think they're better off buying a "real" laptop instead.

And that's how I think the Pixel C Android device will be a failure. Again, I think it's pretty neat (if expensive) and just may buy one, but I fear most potential purchasers will see the Pixel C, think of what else they can get with a keyboard for (roughly) the same price, and decide on something else, like a Surface.

But again, I myself may end up getting a Pixel C. My disagreement isn't with the device itself. My disagreement is the way that Google is positioning it. I personally think the Pixel C is an impressive Android tablet but as a laptop replacement because it has a keyboard, it's lacking.

 

[Aquila]

First of all, thank you for quoting me accurately. Sincerely. It would be easy to mistake what I was saying but, to your credit, you didn't.

Second and to reply directly to your reply, Yes, I do think the Pixel Chromebooks are a failure. When "you" (or at least, the vast majority of people) think of "Chromebook" Asus and Acer and possibly even HP come to mind; not Pixel. Maybe Google meant the Pixel line of Chromebooks as a technical statement instead of a marketed product but still, how many Pixel Chromebooks have Google sold, compared to Chromebooks sold by some of the others.

Indeed, while I wouldn't exactly call Chromebooks in general a failure, I would still contend that they have not been quite the success that Google and others have hoped because for a few dollars more, most people think they're better off buying a "real" laptop instead.

And that's how I think the Pixel C Android device will be a failure. Again, I think it's pretty neat (if expensive) and just may buy one, but I fear most potential purchasers will see the Pixel C, think of what else they can get with a keyboard for (roughly) the same price, and decide on something else, like a Surface.

But again, I myself may end up getting a Pixel C. My disagreement isn't with the device itself. My disagreement is the way that Google is positioning it. I personally think the Pixel C is an impressive Android tablet but as a laptop replacement because it has a keyboard, it's lacking.

Obviously I cannot comment on Google's strategy other than my guesses at it - but I sincerely believe that both Pixel's have been simply reference devices. They're not really marketed to move volume and I'm not convinced they could support the demand if they were. The important thing with the Pixel is we saw a fantastic screen, high quality components and build, better keyboards and trackpad, etc, etc... and some Chromebook OEM's took notice and improved their offerings. I do believe that this is the point.

Now, do I believe that's the point of the Pixel C? Not really. It doesn't do much to show what Tablets can do (from what I know about it so far) that a Nexus couldn't. I also don't think they want it to move volume. So... it's kind of a statement kind of a "hey, um... we wanted to do this but not sure why" sort of thing. Without knowing the intent I don't want to declare something successful or a failure, so I'll go with this statement instead:

IF the goal was to make Matt Luciano want to buy this thing, it was a success.

 

[Geodude074]

First of all, thank you for quoting me accurately. Sincerely. It would be easy to mistake what I was saying but, to your credit, you didn't.

Second and to reply directly to your reply, Yes, I do think the Pixel Chromebooks are a failure. When "you" (or at least, the vast majority of people) think of "Chromebook" Asus and Acer and possibly even HP come to mind; not Pixel. Maybe Google meant the Pixel line of Chromebooks as a technical statement instead of a marketed product but still, how many Pixel Chromebooks have Google sold, compared to Chromebooks sold by some of the others.

Indeed, while I wouldn't exactly call Chromebooks in general a failure, I would still contend that they have not been quite the success that Google and others have hoped because for a few dollars more, most people think they're better off buying a "real" laptop instead.

And that's how I think the Pixel C Android device will be a failure. Again, I think it's pretty neat (if expensive) and just may buy one, but I fear most potential purchasers will see the Pixel C, think of what else they can get with a keyboard for (roughly) the same price, and decide on something else, like a Surface.

But again, I myself may end up getting a Pixel C. My disagreement isn't with the device itself. My disagreement is the way that Google is positioning it. I personally think the Pixel C is an impressive Android tablet but as a laptop replacement because it has a keyboard, it's lacking.

First, the Pixel Chromebook was never meant to be mass produced or sold in mass numbers, so I wouldn't call it a failure. I would call something like the original Surface RT a failure, since Microsoft had to write off $900M+ in unsold inventory. Now that's a failure.

Second, Chromebooks are the best selling laptops on Amazon, so once again I wouldn't call that a failure. Yes I would rather spend a little more to have a much more capable Windows laptops, but I wouldn't argue that Chromebooks sales have been a failure.

Over 7 million Chomebooks will be sold this year

Chromebooks outsold Windows laptops in June and July 2015

 

[PlanetPluto7]

Don't know about the no SDcard thing though. These things are computers so I treat them as such.

 

[NoNoiPhone4me]

First, the Pixel Chromebook was never meant to be mass produced or sold in mass numbers, so I wouldn't call it a failure. I would call something like the original Surface RT a failure, since Microsoft had to write off $900M+ in unsold inventory. Now that's a failure.

Second, Chromebooks are the best selling laptops on Amazon, so once again I wouldn't call that a failure. Yes I would rather spend a little more to have a much more capable Windows laptops, but I wouldn't argue that Chromebooks sales have been a failure.

Over 7 million Chomebooks will be sold this year

Chromebooks outsold Windows laptops in June and July 2015

Definitely getting off topic but to quote myself:

...
Indeed, while I wouldn't exactly call Chromebooks in general a failure, I would still contend that they have not been quite the success that Google and others have hoped because for a few dollars more, most people think they're better off buying a "real" laptop instead.
...

emphasis added.

Note that I do not think the Chromebooks are a failure. I simply contend that sales are probaby not what Google hoped because, for a few dollars more, most people think they're better off buying a "real" Windows or Mac laptop (and not Windows RT, which, ironically, I think was a failure for even more of the very same reasons that Chromebooks are not a better success). I would say that you definitely agree with at least the former because you yourself admit, quoting you:

...
Yes I would rather spend a little more to have a much more capable Windows laptops
...

As for 7 million Chromebooks expected to be sold this year, you do know that over 100 million Wintel laptops are expected to be sold. Hail Windows 10!

Considering that Windows 10 was not officially released until almost the very end of July 2015 (29 July 2015 to be exact) it is not surprising that Chromebooks outsold Windows laptops in June 2015 and July 2015 (at least and possibly only through one sales outlet: Amazon). In fact, considering that the "current" Windows version during that time was the abominable Windows 8.1, the only thing surprising is that any Windows laptops at all were sold during that time.

But to get back on topic, what do you think of the Pixel C and do you plan to get one (with or without a keyboard)?

 

[Aquila]

But to get back on topic, what do you think of the Pixel C and do you plan to get one (with or without a keyboard)?

Awesome. Yes. With.

 

[NoNoiPhone4me]

Awesome. Yes. With.

Agreed. Me, too. But without.

 

[Aquila]

Agreed. Me, too. But without.

I'm going to BUY the keyboard, but I probably won't USE the keyboard. Much...

 

[Trigati]

I'm thinking of replacing my Tab S with a Pixel C. I'm really getting tired of the long wait between updates, plus things like touchwiz and so on. A pure Android experience plus timely updates would be very nice. I'm not entirely fond of just 64 GB of internal storage that's non-expandable, but that's workable on a tablet since I won't be storing music on it.

 

[Cakefish]

This did give me some pause for thought but in the end the refurbished deals on the 128GB iPad Air 2 were too tempting to pass on. I am very wary of what this tablet's UK pricing will be after the general uproar over the European Nexus 5X/6P pricing. It's not very comforting at all for Google to keep such vital information a secret. They are undoubtedly losing potential sales because of this. If they'd actually have stated the UK pricing then I might have held off and bought the Pixel C instead.

In the end, getting an iPad means I have access to both Google and Apple's app ecosystems (I have Android smartphones and can't see that changing anytime soon), so that's a win for me.

The Tegra X1 has an absolute beast of a GPU so it's great to see it finally being used in a tablet. Though I do worry about how well it'll actually be utilised, it'll at least mean that it has sufficient power for years to come.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk