Well, there you have it folks! Google does have another high-resolution Pixel device and one that runs Android instead of Chrome OS. We’re still not sure what the “C” in its name stands for, but the Pixel C is undeniably Google’s attempt to make an Android tablet that is fit for work. Or for text input to be exact. Coming with a keyboard dock that magnetically latches on to the tablet part, the Pixel C might yet be the most premium 2-in-1 Android tablet in the market.
Such a breed of devices isn’t actually new and, to be perfectly honest, others might be doing it slightly better than Google, redesigning Android to be a slightly better desktop OS. Still, there is something to be said for pure Android Nexus experience on a device that neither looks nor behaves cheap. And it really isn’t cheap either.
Like the other Pixels, the Pixel C boasts of best in class display, that is a 10.2-inch screen with high resolution of 2560×1800. Under the hood, it runs on the also best of class NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, paired with 3 GB of RAM. Suffice it to say, it’s going to be great for gaming, but that’s not what the Pixel C is all about.
The device is made for serious business it seems, with the keyboard dock offering better typing input than a touch screen. Despite the dock in the name, the keyboard doesn’t provide extra power to the tablet. Actually, it is the tablet that charges the keyboard when closed. The keys aren’t full-sized but they are considerably better than more cramped options in the market. The way the keyboard and tablet connect is slightly unconventional. There are no pins or physical connectors, just Bluetooth. Still, the keyboard magnetically latches on to the bottom part of the tablet. Actually, it s a foldable flap that does the gripping, and that flap can be positioned at almost any angle, pretty much like a laptop. Separating the two takes a bit of nudging, but nothing that requires excessive force.
The keyboard doesn’t have any ports whatsoever and the Pixel C itself only has a single USB Type C. Considering this is an Android tablet, that might not be an issue. But at the same time, looking like a productivity device, the lack of more ports might feel a bit crippling.
Unlike the new Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, it won’t be until later this year that the Pixel C will be available for purchase. But when it does, it will come with a $499 price tag, and that’s for the tablet alone. The keyboard is sold separately for $149. That’s a rather hefty $648 sum, which could make the Pixel C a rather niche device even more than a Nexus.
The C supposedly stands for “convertible”; it was mentioned in the presentation.
“…runs Android instead of Chrome OS”
Chrome OS has failed. And don’t be shy you guy from Android Community, the Pixel C are an Android clone of Microsoft’s Surface
Do you have an data to support that claim? Chromebook sales have grown year over year and are especially popular in schools.
… And everything is a surface copy, even the ipad Pro. Props to MS there
How much Chrome OS devices has sale last fiscal year? Some below 9 millions.
And how much time Google is developing Chrome OS? Some about 5 years.
That’s a failure
Its just me that thinks it has an absurdly weak battery?
Even for a mobile is weak for intense use, much less for a tablet.
A shame, since everything else is great.
“…most premium 2-in-1 Android tablet in the market….” ??
… I use Sony Xperia Tablet Z2 10″ 3GB Ram, plus Sonys bluetooth keyboard BKB50 since last year for business.
sorry, so this nice PixelC is nothing new, only a copy of a great working idea …