One of the biggest surprises to come out of Google's jam-packed hardware event Tuesday was an all-new Android device from the Chromebook team.
The Pixel C, which stands for "convertible", is an Android-powered tablet hybrid. Like the Chromebook Pixel, Google is marketing it as a premium device and its price reflects that — it starts at $499 with an additional $149 for the keyboard.
But if you love Android and need to get a lot done on the go, then the Pixel C could be just the upgrade for you.
First off, despite the Pixel moniker, the Pixel C is not a Chromebook. Though the optional keyboard accessory makes it look a lot like one, the Pixel C is an Android tablet running Android tablet apps.
Notably, it's the first Android tablet Google has made in-house without any hardware partners. The brushed aluminium finish looks great though the tablet itself feels a bit chunky, especially when the keyboard is attached as a cover. On its own, the tablet weighs a little more than a pound — adding the companion keyboard brings the total weight to just under two pounds.
The Pixel C consists of the $499 Android tablet with a 10.2-inch display and an optional $149 keyboard accessory. Though the keyboard isn't required, you're definitely going to want it.
The magnets are surprisingly sturdy, more so than the Surface's kickstand or any iPad accessory I've ever tried. The member of the Pixel C team demoing the hinge to me didn't flinch when I picked it up by the keyboard and turned it upside down. I even gave it a shake for good measure. He smiled; the magnets didn't budge.
Keyboard and (lack of) trackpad
The Pixel C has already drawn a lot of comparisons to Microsoft's Surface line and there are similarities between to the two, to be sure. But one major difference, in their keyboard accessories at least, is the lack of a trackpad. The time I've spent using a Microsoft Surface and other Windows hybrid devices has trained me to expect a trackpad, even when there's a touchscreen available.When the keyboard is covering the tablet, simply slide it off and stick the side of the tablet onto the keyboard's magnetic hinge; then pull up to prop up the tablet.
Google tells me those who really want a mouse will be able to use one via Bluetooth, so you aren't limited to the touchscreen alone.
The keyboard itself also deserves a mention. My experience with portable keyboard accessories is that they range from sort of usable to downright awful, but Google has managed to make the Pixel C's surprisingly good. The keys are responsive and have a good springiness to them. I found the key placement took a bit of adjustment and most touch typists will likely have the same experience, but my typing didn't feel cramped or uncomfortable.
Android and productivity
Google is clearly trying to position the Pixel C as a productivity tool: it's powerful, super portable, and boasts great battery life.Under the hood, the tablet is powered by an NVIDIA X1 quad-core processor, Maxwell GPU and 3GB of RAM so performance is certainly up to par. The demo room I was in had a spotty Wi-Fi connection so I couldn't really put its internals to the test, though it handled everything I threw at it well and didn't get feel warm even after several rounds of demos.
For now, the bigger question is who will take this machine to work. While Apple already has a robust ecosystem of professional apps for designers, photographers, illustrators and other professionals, you'll rarely see an Android tablet in most workplaces. Obviously, Google is hoping the Pixel C will help change that, but if this approach is to be successful, the company will also need to get developers on board.
Android is a great productivity tool for simple tasks like creating and editing documents or catching up on email, but it lacks the flexibility of a full PC. Still, if you're an Android power user who wants the extra processing muscle, the Pixel C's great keyboard, battery life and extreme portability could make it the Android tablet you can't live without.Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Google's Pixel C could be the perfect tablet for Android power users
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