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royal-red-asks · 5 years

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Google Pixel Slate Review: Less than the sum of its parts

Google Pixel Slate Review: Less than the sum of its parts - SlashGear If the Blog9T Pixelbook demonstrated Google could make a compelling laptop, the Google Pixel Slate is its attempt to do the same for tablets. Like the latest iPad Pro, it's a confident claim that what was once considered a pared-back, mobile OS can now wear Big Boy Pants and be everything you need to do "real work" on the go. In the process, though, Google finds itself bumping up against some of the same challenges that Apple did with its tablet, and the Pixel Slate doesn't always have the best answers either. Hardware and Design With its midnight blue anodized aluminum casing, curved edges, and rounded 2.5D Gorilla Glass 5 cover glass, the Pixel Slate is a handsome tablet. It's also thin, too, at just 7mm thick, though there's no flex when you hold it. The 12.3-inch "Molecular Display" is a delicious 3000 x 2000 resolution LCD panel, with bright and bold colors, though its bezels look positively thick compared to those of the latest iPad Pro.

Although its display falls in-between the iPad Pro's 11- and 12.9-inch panels, the Pixel Slate is actually heavier than both. 1.6 pounds is on the hefty side for a tablet, though it's weight is nicely balanced. Like Apple, Google has opted to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack, which will undoubtedly continue to frustrate many. At least it gives you a second USB-C port, either of which can be used for charging, 4K display output, or data. There's a volume key and a Pixel Imprint fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button. Press that and you can be automatically logged into Chrome OS, or authorized Google Pay transactions. Personally, I prefer how Face ID on the iPad Pro works day to day, but the Pixel Slate has the advantage with Chrome OS' multi-user support, which iOS currently lacks.

Google has a wide range of processors for the Pixel Slate, spanning Intel's Celeron through its 8th Gen Core m3, i5, and i7 chips. You can have 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of memory, and from 32GB to 256GB of storage. As you might expect, then, the price varies significantly: $599 for the entry-level Celeron/4GB/32GB tablet, up through to $1,599 for the Core i7/16GB/256GB version. How you feel about that degree of choice - there are five configurations in the line-up - will depend on whether you see the Pixel Slate as a laptop replacement or as an iPad Pro alternative, I suspect. Certainly Google's cheapest tablet undercuts the iPad Pro significantly, though its performance won't match it. The Core i5 model, with 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, that Google provided for review is $999, however, what you'd pay for an iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Gen with half the storage.

Whichever Pixel Slate you get, there's WiFi 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 4.2, dual front-firing speakers that sound reasonably for their size, and twin microphones. 8-megapixel cameras are front and rear. Sadly there's no cellular option for integrated LTE: Google tells me that it expects Pixel Slate owners to be happy with tethering, though I think there's nothing quite like the convenience of getting online with built-in cellular. Chrome OS A month after Apple's iPad Pro event, and the discussion around whether you can get "real work" done on a tablet - and, indeed, just what "real work" actually consists of - is still raging. The Pixel Slate wades into that discussion with Chrome OS, the ability to run Android apps, and two UIs. Some aspects of that arsenal works better than others.

It's fair to say that Chrome OS has made huge strides since its early days. With the Pixel Slate it takes another step forward, with both a desktop mode and a tablet mode. Dock Google's tablet on the Pixel Slate Keyboard and desktop mode kicks in automatically, complete with a mouse cursor and a minimized launcher bar at the bottom of the screen. Use it as a slate, though, and you get tablet mode. That expands the app launcher to occupy the desktop, with a row the apps Chrome OS predicts you're likely to want running across the top. It all looks very much like an Android phone, unsurprisingly by design.

How Chrome OS operates depends on which mode you're in, most notably when it comes to multitasking. In desktop mode, you can have resizable windows that overlap and support flexible positioning, just as you would on a macOS or Windows 10 notebook. In the tablet mode, however, you get split-screen instead, with only the ability to adjust the proportion of each app on-show. There's a new gesture to pull out a Chrome tab and automatically create a split-screen view with it. Considering multi-tasking is one of the more contentious aspects of the "can a tablet be used for real work?" argument, this twin approach by Google is a strategic one. In practice I do prefer it to SEO Blog9T how iOS does multitasking. It's hard to avoid the feeling that the iPad Pro 12.9 is squandering the display real-estate it has to play with; in contrast, being able to use the Pixel Slate - in desktop mode - as you might a regular laptop makes much more sense to me.

Similarly, Google's implementation of its Pixelbook Pen has a big advantage over the new Apple Pencil: handwriting recognition. You can write instead of using the on-screen keyboard and have that converted into text. It wouldn't be my first choice for composing a lengthy document, no, but for search terms or quick message replies it's much easier than fumbling between stylus and fingertip. The downside to Chrome OS, of course, is the app selection. Performance on the Pixel Slate was noticeably smoother than on Google's demo hardware back at the early October launch, though I did encounter a couple of crashes in my testing, but it's the apps you get to use which might present the biggest hurdle.

Google's suite of office apps shows Chrome OS at its best. Then, the line between web app and local software is most thoroughly blurred. At the other extreme, though, there are Android apps that run on Chrome OS. While in theory that gives you the wealth of the Play Store for your Chrome tablet, the reality is that the experience just isn't refined enough yet. Apps magnify in space-wasting ways, or refuse to let you resize their windows. In so many ways, Google has unlocked the hurdles that Apple has arbitrarily placed in iOS. The Pixel Slate's USB-C ports don't care about what accessories you plug in, for instance, while the Chrome you get is the desktop version, not a mobile browser. The downside is that, where the iPad Pro has limits Apple establishes in the name of creating a more elegant - if controlled - experience, the Pixel Slate's more libertarian approach means you'll inevitably run into some awkwardness or downright ugliness where the reality doesn't match the promise. Pixel Slate Keyboard Google proved with the Pixelbook that it knew how to make compelling notebook hardware. The fact, then, that it has opted to ignore some of the most-loved features of the Pixelbook for the $199 Pixel Slate Keyboard is frustrating. The so-called Hush Keys feel like change for its own sake.

The 16mm diameter circular keys have a healthy 1.2mm of travel, and they're backlit which is useful. Since the keyboard uses pogo-pins for both power and data, there's no charging. Its magnetic stand can pose the tablet at any angle, unlike the two fixed positions of the iPad Pro's Smart Keyboard. Another advantage over Apple's tablet keyboard is the trackpad. The Pixel Slate Keyboard gets a sizable 73.9 x 102.7mm 'pad, with a nicely textured glass surface and multi-touch support. It does help the Pixel Slate feel more like a proper laptop - though with a big footprint that's unwieldy and floppy on your lap - when it's docked.

In fact, it feels a little like the Pixelbook trackpad, which is why the fact that the Pixel Slate Keyboard's keys aren't the same is so frustrating. The circular buttons aren't bad, and I'd certainly rather have them over those of the iPad Pro's keyboard, but they're also not as good as the more traditionally shaped keys on the Pixelbook.

I preferred the keys of the third-party Pixel Slate keyboard Google also sent, the handiwork of Brydge. The $159.99 Brydge G-Type looks and feels far more like the 'board of the Pixelbook, albeit in a matching blue to the new tablet. Unfortunately, you then miss out on some of Google's own keyboard's niceties: the Brydge's has no pogo-pins so recharges separately via USB-C and connects to the tablet via Bluetooth. Closed, the whole assembly is thicker than a Pixelbook, too. Pixelbook Pen If you've used the Pixelbook's digital stylus then you won't be too surprised by how it performs on the Pixel Slate. In fact it's exactly the same hardware, only now available in a matching blue finish. You still pay $99, and you still don't get a place to dock or attach the Pen to either the tablet or the keyboard.

What you do get is pressure and tilt support, which makes note-taking and digital art more rewarding and natural. Hold down the side button and circle images and text, and the Google Assistant will search for related answers. Clever, though honestly it's not something I find myself using too often. I'd rather be able to reprogram the button, Apple Pencil 2 style, for secondary features. Battery Google says the 48 WHr battery in the Pixel Slate should last for up to 12 hours, though that's based on a mixture of standby, web browsing, and other use. The reality has still been impressive, though. Based on my own mixed use, primarily web browsing, some music and video playback, and some typing, 8-9 hours seems reasonable. Verdict For every device promising us the functionality of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, there's also a different approach to how those two identities will operate. Google's strategy with the Pixel Slate feels a lot like its mobile strategy in general. You're poised on the cutting-edge of what Chrome OS - and Android apps on Chrome OS - can do, in a way that's far less restrained than Apple's stance with iOS and the iPad Pro.

Sometimes that works out, like being able to use the Pixel Slate with a keyboard as a multi-window laptop alternative. Other times, however, you pay the price of being at the bleeding edge. Android apps still don't feel mature enough to be more than a stopgap measure in many ways, ungainly and unpredictable in a way that you can't really accuse the contents of the iPad Pro's App Store. Like with the iPad Pro, too often I ran into frustrations that the Pixel Slate threw into my path, and sent me scurrying back to my regular laptop. And the cold reality is that the App Store has more to suit Apple's tablet than the Play store has for Google's. Factor in that the Pixel Slate - with expensive and pretty much essential keyboard attached - is thicker than the Pixelbook, not to mention the annoyances of trying to perch it on my lap, and I think I'd still go for the far more affordable convertible notebook not its new tablet sibling. Story TimelineBrydge G-Type for Pixel Slate turns the tablet into a laptopPixel Slate trades headphone jack for a second USB-CGoogle Pixel Slate ships todayGoogle Pixel Slate Gallery

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goods4hoods-blog · 6 years

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Top 5 Best Tablets Must Buy 2018 (recommended) (reviewed products)

When shopping for a tablet, it’s hard to know where to start. There are so many things to take into consideration such as portability, budget, battery life and usage. Top 5 Best Tablets Must Buy 2018 (recommended) (reviewed products) to help you find the tablet that’s best for you, here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular ones on the market right now, ranging from the affordable Microsoft Surface Pro to the Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S2 (which doubles as a laptop).

Microsoft Surface Pro (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB) – Newest Version

$2,345.00

Buy Now

The Surface Pro is built very well, from both the perspective of actual construction and initial durability, as well as design. The speakers being front facing work very well, better than any laptop or tablet I have listened to. Read the hole Top 5 Best Tablets Must Buy 2018 (recommended) (reviewed products) blog to know more.

The screen itself is beautiful with excellent clarity and detail, with the speed behind its supporting hardware to display anything I have thrown at it. Touch-screen action, speed and response are excellent.

The Surface Pro is on the expensive side, however, I can say that in comparison with any other tablet or laptop on the market, this is by far the superior product, in nearly all aspects. Years ahead in development, hardware, and support. It is truly a pleasure to use. Click Here to Know More

Features:

The latest Microsoft Surface Pro Features a 7th generation Intel Core i7 Processor, 1 TB of storage, 16 GB RAM, and up to 13.5 hours of video playback

Our fastest Surface Pro ever* thanks to a powerful Intel Core laptop-grade processor

Go all day with up to 13.5 hours of battery life. * 50% more battery life than the previous generation

Our lightest Surface Pro yet*, starting at 1.69 lbs (m3 model).

Surface Pro Signature Type cover and Microsoft Surface Pen sold separately

Apple Ipad Pro 256GB Factory Unlocked (Wi-Fi + Cellular 4G LTE, Apple SIM Card, Silver) - 12.9" Display

$1,199.11

Buy Now

Far and away the greatest iPad yet. If you are on the fence between the 10.5 and the 12.9, definitely go with the 10.5. I went 12.9 so I could have a full size keyboard (and the Apple keyboard is spectacular). I am a big guy with big hands and there are times when I wish I had the smaller version but most of the time, the 12.9 is exactly what I want. The size, amazing screen and excellent audio make it a great portable media player. Watching Netflix or YouTube is the next best thing to watching it on a big screen. Do yourself a favor and get the Apple Pencil. It turns the iPad into a powerful digital notepad (and much more if you're artistic). My days of scanning my notes at the end of the day are over. If you're an iPad fan, the 2017 Pro's are the ultimate version. The only real question is which size is best for you. Click Here To know More

Features:

Manufacturer unlocked - Works with all carriers worldwide except Verizon (See explanation below under product description).

Apple iOS 9; 12.9-Inch Retina Display, 2.26GHz A9X Chip, M9 Motion Coprocessor

Wi-Fi + Cellular 4G, 256GB Capacity, 4GB RAM

8 MP iSight Camera; FaceTime HD Camera

Up to 9 Hours of Battery Life

HP Pro x2 J8V70UT#ABA 12.5-Inch 64 GB Tablet (Black)

$1,317.28

Buy Now

The HP 12.5" Pro x2 612 G1 64GB Tablet lets you stay productive when traveling and includes HP's Power Keyboard, so you can have a notebook experience in or out of the office. This tablet comes with an Intel Core i3-4012Y processor and 4GB of DDR3L RAM to run the pre-installed Windows 8.1 operating system along with your applications at the same time. To access your files quickly, HP has built this tablet with a 64GB solid-state drive that consumes less power and is faster than a typical hard drive. Moreover, an integrated microSDXC card slot lets you expand the tablet's storage capacity with an optional memory card.

HP has designed this 12.5" display with 10-point touch technolog, so you may rotate, pinch, swipe, and other useful functions with your apps. Powered by integrated Intel HD 4200 graphics, the IPS screen offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 along with accurate colors. To complete the multimedia experience, two built-in speakers are enhanced with DTS Sound+ technology for immersive audio. Click Here To know More

Features:

Windows 8, 12.5 inches Display

Intel Core i3-4012Y 1.5 GHz (3 MB Cache)

64 GB Flash Memory, 4 GB RAM Memory

6.00 pounds

Acer Aspire Switch 11 NT.L69AA.007 11.6" 128 GB Tablet (Gray)

$1,220.28

Buy Now

A mid-range tablet/laptop convertible notebook, the Acer Aspire Switch 11 SW5-171 offers more flexibility and versatility than your average laptop. Although the 11.6-inch/29.464-cm computer can be used like a standard laptop, the screen can completely separate from the keyboard to become even more portable in tablet mode. That means all the hardware making the convertible notebook work without slowdown, such as the high-end Intel Core i5 4th Gen. 1,600 MHz processor, is installed beneath the silver screen. Installed on the 128 GB hard drive is Windows 8.1, which includes numerous touchscreen possibilities that you can take advantage of with the Acer Aspire. The included 4,096 MB of RAM allow you to stream in high-definition quality with minimal loading time. Click Here To know More

Features:

11.6 inches Display

Intel A4 1.6 GHz (3 MB Cache)

128 GB Flash Memory, 4 GB RAM Memory

5.2 pounds

Apple 13.3" MacBook Air, 256GB Mobile Bundle (New 2017 Version MQD42LL/A) - Case + Wireless Mouse + Premium Cleaning Solution - Black

$1,220.28

Buy Now

The MacBook Air remains the least expensive MacBook, and has finally received a minor spec upgrade. Battery life is excellent, and performance for everyday tasks remains smooth. It's the only MacBook left with standard USB ports or a MagSafe connection.The MacBook Air lives to fight another day, thanks to its mainstream price and long battery life, but this classic laptop is definitely in its twilight.

There's the just-right size of the 13-inch screen, still the best balance between viewability and portability; the rock-solid aluminum body, which can stand up to years of abuse; and the chunky island-style keyboard, itself now extinct across the rest of the MacBook line, replaced by super-shallow butterfly keys that lack this level of tactile feedback. The Air has a truly great keyboard and trackpad. It is totally top notch. The build quality and design, while it may be dated is a true classic. You just have to pick one up and handle it to see that the only laptop close to it in design and quality is the MacBook Pros. I rate it above the MacBook because the size of the MacBook is a little too small for the keyboard and hence a little too cramped for me. The durability of the Air is amazing. None of my MacBooks (I have owned 3 now) have had any trouble. They are all being used and in perfect order. Click Here To know More

Features:

Apple 13.3" MacBook Air, 256GB SSD, 1.8GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, MQD42LL/A [Mid-2017 - Newest Version]

13.3" 1440 x 900 Glossy Display | 128GB SSD | 8GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 RAM

1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 Dual-Core | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 6004

802.11ac Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 4.0 | USB 3.0 | SDXC Card Slot

Thunderbolt 2 | Stereo Speakers | Dual Built-In Mics | Slim, Lightweight Design

#2017 2018 Acer Aspire Switch 11 apple Apple 13.3" MacBook Air Apple Ipad Pro Best Tablets HP Pro x2 Microsoft Surface Pro tablets tabs Top 5

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