0031: Pixelbook & Pixel Slate

Show Notes

I take a short break from my six part "My Favs" series and sneak in this special half-time episode where I compare the Google Pixelbook (i5) with the Google Pixel Slate (m3).

• Complete show notes below (not in Google Docs this week)
• Images of my two devices are in the gallery below the show notes

Learn more about table mode in Episode 0019 of the Pixelpower Podcast

Thoughts on Pixel Slate

• First off, I'm really disappointed the Pixel Slate is a dead product and won't be developed further
• The Slate has been an eye-raiser by colleagues (confusion about whether its an iPad or a Surface)
• The Pixel Slate is the best (only) Chrome OS tablet I've ever used and the second best Chrome OS laptop I've used, and that's the problem
• The Pixel Slate can't quite figure out what it is or wants to be when it grows up
• You can't fold back the Google keyboard and use, you have to remove it from the magnetic connector for it to enter tablet mode (unlike the Pixelbook)
• They both perform identically in my day-to-day use tests (differences between m3 and i5 not noticeable)
• The camera's on the Slate are far superior to the Pixelbook and for video chatting, you will notice those improvements
• The Slates screen is noticeably better than the Pixelbook
• The Slate sound is far superior than the PIxelbook
• The magnetic non-charging/Bluetooth/backlit keyboard/touchpad is brilliant
• I like that I can remove the keyboard and use the Pixel Slate as a tablet, the problem is, I'm not sure I will do this often since the Slate is so big and heavy (the same problem with the new 12" iPad Pro)
• I prefer the Pixel Slate keyboard and like that it protects both the front and the back of the Slate when closed; however, it sometimes feels as if the Slate is going to fall out of the keyboard (I'm sure it won't, but it does cause me to pause sometimes)

Should you purchase a Pixel Slate?

• Remember there won't be a version two.
• If you want a device that can serve as a tablet and laptop, this might work for you
• If you think it will be the best Chrome OS laptop, it will not, so you should stick to the Pixelbook
• If I was stuck on an island and could only pick one device, I would go with the Slate for it's pure technical superiority and convertible nature
• It boasts a better screen, sound, and keyboard
• I'll continue to bounce between the two devices, but see myself traveling with the Slate primarily
• And that's the wonderful thing about our Chrome OS devices, we have the same apps and data on whichever device we use making this transition seamless!

Amazon Links:

• Google Pixel Slate (m3)
• Google Pixelbook (i5)

Photos (All images taken with a Google Pixel 3 XL)

You can view images of my Pixelbook and Pixel Slate in the gallery below. Use the arrows on either side of the image to scroll through the entire image album.

Feedback

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