Google Event: Don't Call New Pixel C Tablet / Laptop Hybrid a Chromebook
A couple years ago, Google introduced the Chromebook Pixel, an addition to its usually affordable, usually-barebones Chrome OS-running Chromebook laptop series that packed a super-high resolution screen, and a price to match.
Now, at its September 2015 event, Google added something new and different to the "Pixel" line. But don't call it a Chromebook.
It's the "Pixel C," the first tablet built end-to-end by Google, itself. It's got a 10.2-inch screen with an HD resolution of 2560 x 1800p. It runs on the powerful NVIDIA Tegra X1 chipset, and in addition to its touchscreen, there's an optional $150 Bluetooth keyboard that can dock with it, essentially turning the Pixel C into a Microsoft Surface-like tablet / laptop hybrid.
The keyboard attaches to the Pixel C with a set of powerful hidden magnets, which enable the screen to stay standing (no kickstand needed) in laptop mode.
You can even adjust the screen's position from 100 to 135 degrees, and the magnets will hold it in place. In fact, Google demonstrated that you could hold the Pixel C with the attached keyboard by the screen portion, and the keyboard won't fall or even move. The keyboard itself is small and portable, but Google designed it to have the same spacing as a standard laptop keyboard.
If you're in tablet mode, the keyboard can fold up behind the screen. When you close the Pixel C and its keyboard like a laptop, the tablet automatically charges the keyboard through induction, meaning you'll never have to remember to juice up your keys.
Even without folding the Pixel C closed, the keyboard should last two months of average use on a single charge. And speaking of charging, the Pixel C comes with the new reversible USB Type C connector for quicker charge times.
It's Google's first in-house Android tablet hybrid, because doesn't run Chrome OS. Instead it's all Android 6.0 Marshmallow, with specially designed software that can predict if you're using the physical keyboard or if you want to use the onscreen one.
More details on its release date will come later, but expect it in time for the holiday shopping season.
Google did disclose its pricing, though: The Pixel C starts at $500 for the 32GB model, with $100 more getting you 64GB. The keyboard is $150 extra.
There are no preorders available yet, but you can sign up for updates at Google's Pixel C page.