Out with the old, ring in the new – even before we can mourn the demise of the 2-year-old Android tablet Pixel C, Google has already sprung Pixelbook! Phaseouts of older models are not uncommon, as is “slowing” them down. After all, technology developments are evolving rapidly and client needs are continuously changing – making the next big thing obsolete even before it gets packed and shipped.
“As is common when a device has been out for a few years, we’re now retiring Pixel C, and it is no longer available for sale. Our newly-launched Google Pixelbook combines the best parts of a laptop and a tablet for those looking for a versatile device.” Google quoted on CNET
Launched in 2015, the Pixel C debuted at $499 (32 GB) and $599 (64 GB) and was the “little engine that could”. The aluminum casing echoed the currently popular industrial look and made it seem like the high-end android that it was. It boasted of the powerful Nvidia Tegra X1 octa-core system-on-a-chip and run on Android Marshmallow. Long story short, more cores is better so 8 cores running when most full-sized laptops were just on 4 cores was good. Plus 3GB of RAM LPDDR4, storage of 32-64 GB, 10.2″ touchscreen (308 ppi resolution, brightness up to 500 nits) and an optional self-aligning keyboard which magnetically connects to turn it into a “laplet” made it a popular buy. With all this power, 4 microphones and 2 speakers, what’s not to like? This graph from PC Mark shows how Pixel C performed in benchmark tests:
Just last March there was no indication that it Google was going to pull the plug as it upgraded the Pixel C to have more phone capabilities. We know of enthusiasts in China doing this a while back but this was a different game altogether. However, it still lacked multi-window capabilities, had no pen option and failed short, productivity-wise.
Which is why Google killed it in favor of the 3-month old Pixelbook which promises the best of laptop and tablet features. In short, Pixelbook, a $1000 baby is going to be the “laplet” of your dreams. This challenger to iPAD supremacy runs on Chrome OS and uses Android apps that address productivity issues. Plus, it uses a pen – something that Samsung mastered early on. Does it measure up? Let Google do the talking:
