Google has announced the new Pixel C, a redesigned Chromebook that takes on the 2-in-1 convertible form factor. The Pixel C continues the current trend of sticking a keyboard cover onto a tablet to form a laptop, much like the Microsoft Surface.
However, the self aligning magnets connect to the tablet on the back (instead of the bottom edge as is common) and provide support for the tablet portion. Because of this, there is no kickstand taking up space on the back. That also allows the cover to be attached flat on the back of the Pixel C to keep it out of the way in tablet mode.
As far as hardware goes the Pixel C is a 10.2-inch tablet with a 2560×1800 (308 ppi) screen; powering it is an NVIDIA X1 processor with an integrated Maxwell GPU and 3GB of LPDDR4 RAM. It runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, dropping Chrome OS and fully embracing its design as a tablet. The aspect ratio of the device uses the same ratio on A-series paper, which Google thinks is ideal for people to use. It is difficult to argue with this logic considering that it has been the most common form factor for several decades.
The Pixel C charges through a USB Type-C port, which is quickly becoming a very common specification among higher end mobile devices. Interestingly, the Bluetooth keyboard does not have any charging port; and instead relies on inductive charging from the tablet to stay powered. Battery levels can also be checked by double tapping on the light bar, saving the user time on having to turn on the display. It may also save on power in the long run.
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Google has redesigned the keyboard to work specifically with the Pixel C tablet, and has even moved five lesser used keys to the on-screen keyboard. It didn’t say which keys these were, but that shouldn’t quite matter if they are not commonly used.
The Google Pixel C will be available around the holiday season starting from US$499 (about RM2225). The Bluetooth keyboard will be available in either aluminium or leather, and will retail for US$149 (about RM664).
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