Google's Chrome OS powers more than just laptops. From devices as large as desktops to small children's tablets, the operating system is flexible enough to work on a variety of devices. While Chromebooks have been steadily creeping higher in price and specs over the past couple of years, the same can't be said about Chrome tablets. Yes, we've seen some excellent ones like the Lenovo Duet, which perform well for their price. Still, it's been a while since we've seen one that could take on the likes of the iPad Pro or Surface Pro and make a good argument for why you should pick it over those devices, and that's a real shame.

Before Chrome tablets were a thing, Google once pushed Android tablets as iPad rivals. It had its own Nexus tablet line, and every other Android manufacturer had an Android tablet at one point. There's an argument to be made that Android tablets are actually still successful on a pure sales front. Many of them are cheap and cheerful, and any tablet with a competent app store can consume content just as well as any other (something Amazon has learned very well with its Fire tablets). However, when it comes to "Pro" tablets, i.e. devices with beautiful screens, powerful processors, and chiseled frames that you would actually want to buy, the view becomes a bit more stark.

Currently, Chrome OS powers a handful of tablets. The Lenovo Duet is one of them, Asus's upcoming CMO5 is another, and that's really about it. If you want a Chrome OS tablet that's as slick as an iPad and can handle being thrust into a work environment in 2021, you're pretty much out of luck.

There's a question to be asked about the wisdom of supplanting Android tablets with something new if Android tablets are still selling, but it's a question of workflow and flexibility. It's not that Android tablets are incapable of matching and surpassing the iPad Pro on a pure hardware level. Absent the processor (which is good enough already), the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 series is just as nice, if not nicer, than Apple's designs. Where neither iOS nor Android can surpass Chrome OS is its flexible operating system.

Reviewing the Lenovo P11 Pro, both Android Central's Ara Wagoner and Wired found that the Pro would have benefited from Chrome OS over Android. Much like the Microsoft Surface, a Chrome OS-powered tablet would have a touch-compatible operating system as well as a full desktop system running in the background. Unlike the failed Microsoft Surface RT (or any Windows 10 tablet really), there already exists a full-fledged fleet of mobile apps to be used in touch mode. In 2021, the web has matured enough that web apps can pull off a heck of a lot without desktop apps — but support for Linux apps and Windows apps via Parallels means that users can find a way around those restrictions if they wanted it bad enough. In other words, while some people may cry out for macOS on an iPad, Google's Chrome OS is already halfway there.

There's also an argument to be made that Chrome OS thrives on the low-end and doesn't need high-end specs. However, I'm not a fan of that argument. Google's Pixel Slate tried to be a pro tablet with middling specs and ended up doing so poorly both critically and commercially that Google flat-out quit the tablet game. A "Pro" tablet would necessarily need high-end specs to be classed as "pro" so that it can handle more than the barest minimum.

Reading the tea leaves, there might well be one such tablet on its way. Spotted last year by Chrome Unboxed. Chromium commits have revealed an upcoming Snapdragon-powered Chrome tablet with a QHD 3:2 display. If released, this would be a high-end Chrome OS tablet with pen support, a display ratio that's just about perfect, and a processor equipped to make the best of Android apps. Google has signaled that it has big plans for Chrome OS this year, and has also said that we should expect some big announcements at its forthcoming I/O conference. It's not beyond the pale that we may see some genuinely interesting hardware there in just over a month.

Google's Chrome OS operating system remains one of the more modern and most accessible operating systems on laptops. With so much work gone into making it tablet-friendly as well, it would be a shame if we never got a tablet that could really take advantage of all this operating system offers.

What you need to know

• Some Pixel Slate owners are suffering from debilitating hardware failure.
• The issue affects the flash storage and renders the device unusable.
• Google is aware of the issue and is working on finding a fix.

The Pixel Slate is suffering from a hardware issue that renders it unusable for those affected, Android Police reported. It's unclear what the precise issue is, only that it has something to do with the flash storage and that it's a hardware fault.

Going off user reports, once the issue strikes, the Slate will still work with minor errors before eventually just failing to do anything that involves using the fie storage — which covers a lot of things you'd want to do on a computer. Major things like downloading files and creating folders won't work, and you won't be able to use Android apps.

As per the folks over at Android Police:

It;s worth noting that Google did say they were aware of the issue all the way back in 2019, but seeing as a fix has yet to materialize, it's not looking food.

Google products are often really helpful, minimally designed, pierces of tech — when they work. When devices fail like this, it's possible in many cases to still get it repaired or replaced under warranty since it's a hardware failure if you're in a country that offers a 2-year warranty with some EU countries going as far as 6 years.

Hopefully, Google can still sort out a fix soon, but it's unclear if there's anything it can do for owners of devices who have already fallen victim to this.

Pixelbook Go

Google made a much better-recieved device with the Pixelbook Go. With a form-factor built for everyone and a low-starting price, the Go outpaces the Slate in every way that matters.

• From $649 at Best Buy
• From $916 at Walmart

Black Friday is the very best time to start shopping for deals on tech, but you don't have to wait until the end of the month to snag some awesome deals. Over at Amazon, you can save $350 on the Google Pixel Slate, dropping its price down to only $449. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked on the tablet.

The model featured is the 12.3-inch tablet with an 8th-gen Intel Core m3 processor, 8GB RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. It has a USB-C port on either side, powerful front-facing speakers and runs Google's Chrome OS with access to Google Play for apps.

Our review of the Pixel Slate on release praised its display, touch-friendly desktop interface, and long, 12-hour battery life. It works great with the Pixel Slate Pen and Pixel Slate Keyboard if you plan to use it as a laptop replacement. That being said, those accessories are sold separately. Google recently unveiled its Pixelbook Go which starts at $649 and seems to be a rethinking of Google's hardware strategy, taking on a traditional laptop-like form factor at an affordable price. While that device features a touchscreen, it doesn't let you remove it to use it as a tablet, so the device that suits you best may well depend on your preference.

While there are several official accessories for the Pixel Slate, we've also rounded up the best keyboards, stands, USB-C hubs and more from third parties so you can accessorize in the way that suits you best.

What you need to know

• Google is offering a $250 discount on the entire Pixel Slate lineup.
• The Intel Core m3 model is now available for just $549.
• Along with the $250 discount, Google is also offering a Pixel Slate Keyboard or Brydge G-Type keyboard for free.

Unlike Google's Pixel smartphones, the Chrome OS-powered Pixel Slate hasn't received much critical acclaim. To make it slightly more appealing to consumers, the U.S. Google Store is now offering a $250 discount as well as a free Pixel Slate keyboard with the premium tablet.

The current promotion on the Google Store lets you save up to $449 on the Pixel Slate and select accessories. Google is offering $250 off on all Pixel Slate models and is also giving a Pixel Slate or Brydge G-Type keyboard for free as part of the promotion. If you find the deal attractive, make sure you place your order soon, as the promotion is set to end on September 5 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Google Pixel Slate Core m3 model with 8GB RAM and 64GB storage is now available for just $549, down from its $799 list price. The Core i5 model is down to $749, while the top-of-the-line Core i7 version with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage is currently available for $1,349.

As noted by 9To5Google, a similar promotion is currently live in the UK Google Store as well, allowing prospective customers to save £200 on all three Pixel Slate models. However, Google isn't offering a free keyboard to customers in the UK.

Google Pixel Slate

Google Pixel Slate's impressive 12.3-inch molecular display with 3000 x 2000 resolution and dual front-firing speakers make it a great device for media consumption. It also delivers fast performance, featuring up to an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM.

• From $549 at Google Store

Google Pixelbook

Despite being almost two years old, the Pixelbook is still one of the best Chromebooks that money can buy. It has a great design, one of the best keyboards we've ever tested, and can easily be folded back into a makeshift tablet. The lack of a fingerprint sensor, however, can get irritating.

Google Pixel Slate

The best way to think of the Pixel Slate is first and foremost as a tablet. We love its gorgeous display, front-facing speakers, and powerful specs, but the official keyboard leaves a lot to be desired and Chrome OS still has a few kinks to be worked out for this form factor.

If you want a Chromebook that you can use for school, work, and play, the Pixelbook delivers a better overall experience and is a much better value for the money. If you really want a Chrome OS tablet and like the detachable form factor, the Pixel Slate might be the better pick. Going forward, however, just keep in mind that Google's already given up on creating future tablets due to the Pixel Slate's less-than-favorable reception.

The Pixelbook is the better choice for most people

If you're looking to buy a Chrome OS machine, it's hard to go wrong with Google's own products. Similar to the Pixel phones, Pixel Chromebooks often deliver the best experience possible thanks to the melding of hardware and software.

Usually.

The Pixelbook was released in the fall of 2017, and although it's almost two years old at this point, we still stand behind it as a sleek and powerful machine. Sure, the bezels are a little thick by today's standards and the lack of a fingerprint sensor isn't ideal, but those are about the only real issues we can think of for the Pixelbook.

Its aluminum and glass design still looks downright fantastic, the 12.3-inch LCD screen is sharp and colorful, and the backlit keyboard is comfortable and easy to use. The keys have good travel, the backlighting works well, and the soft-touch finish is a joy. If I could use the rest of this article to rave about the typing experience on the Pixelbook, I would. It's that good.

The rests below the keyboard give your wrists a nice place to relax while cranking out email after email, and while the trackpad does work well, it is a little on the small side for my liking.

Chrome OS runs really well on the Pixelbook, including the full desktop browsing experience you get with Google Chrome. You can also download just about any Android app you'd like, making the argument that Chrome OS isn't a real operating system moot in 2019.

Along with the thick bezels and lack of a fingerprint sensor, the only other thing that could prove to be a downside is that the Pixelbook is using older Intel 7th Gen Series processors. They're still plenty fast, but if you want newer silicone, you'll want to look at the Pixel Slate.

What you can expect from the Pixel Slate

While the Pixelbook is a laptop that can also be used as a tablet, the Pixel Slate is a tablet that can be used as a laptop. As redundant as that sounds, it makes a big difference in day-to-day use. The Pixelbook is a phenomenal laptop, but when used as a tablet, it's just OK. With the Pixel Slate, you get a fine laptop experience and a tablet offering that's improved a lot since its release in 2018.

When the Pixel Slate launched, it was faced with a lot of software bugs in tablet mode. Not all of the UI elements were optimized for touch, animations in tablet mode were choppy, and everything just felt like it could use a few more minutes in the oven.

Things have gotten considerably better thanks to regular software updates, but that initial bad taste the Pixel Slate left in some people's mouths has yet to go away.

Something else we're not too keen on is that you have to throw down another $199 for Google's official keyboard cover. The circular keys are backlit, have decent travel, and hardly make any noise when used. It's a good typing experience, but only if you're using the Pixel Slate on a desk or table. The folio design that Google went for makes it virtually impossible to use the Pixel Slate with its keyboard on your lap, which isn't great for commuting.

It may sound like I'm ragging a lot on the Pixel Slate, but it does have a few redeeming qualities. For one thing, its display is fantastic. Google calls it a 12.3-inch Molecular Display, but all you really need to know is that it's a bright, colorful, and crisp LCD panel that's a real pleasure to look at for browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games.

The Pixel Slate also delivers full support for the Pixelbook Pen, 12 hours of battery life, and the excellent build quality we've come to expect from Google's hardware.

Google's latest (and last) tablet

And now for the big twist — the Pixel Slate is the last tablet you can expect from Google for a while.

In late June, the company announced that it was officially done making tablets and is shifting its focus over to laptops. We can still expect 2-in-1 devices like the Pixelbook that transform into a tablet, but standalone tablets like the Pixel Slate will be no more.

While Google didn't provide a reason for this decision, it's widely believed to be a result of the various bugs Chrome OS continues to have with the tablet form factor and the overwhelmingly poor reception that the Pixel Slate was met with.

With that said, Google is working on a successor to the Pixelbook and is expected to launch it before 2019 is over.

Do you want a laptop or a tablet?

A lot of this decision boils down to what you want to buy. If you want a laptop, the Pixelbook is an easy recommendation — not only when compared to other Chromebooks, but even when stacked up against Windows and macOS machines.

If you want a tablet, it's difficult to give the Pixel Slate the same unwavering recommendation. It's not all bad, don't get me wrong, but there are just better ways to spend your money. Apple's iPad Pro is still the leader for that form factor, and honestly, the Pixelbook delivers a good enough tablet experience for those times when you want to browse the web or watch some YouTube videos. Add that together with the fact that Google's publicly admitted that it's done making tablets due to the Pixel Slate's failure, and it becomes a harder and harder sell.

Finally, there's also the matter of the time of year.

While we know there won't be another Pixel Slate coming down the pipe, a Pixelbook 2 is expected to be announced at some point before the year is over. The OG Pixelbook is still a reliable machine, but if you can wait just a little longer, it's probably in your best interest.

Google has been put on record saying it's canceling the production and sale of self-branded tablets. As it turns out, this isn't exactly a new decision, but Google being up-front about it all is; a Google spokesperson told Computer World it's done in no uncertain terms. And Rick Osterloh, the head of Google's hardware department, even tweeted an admission of the leak.

We already knew Google had plans to scale back its internal hardware division this year and in March the first word that tablets were getting canned was spreading around. If you've been paying attention, it probably didn't surprise you then and doesn't surprise you now because Google has never really cared about tablets.

The reasons it hasn't had a burning desire to build an amazing tablet are complex yet simple: it doesn't need to and it can't make any money doing it. And these reasons are tied together in a way that isn't likely to change any time soon.

Hardware versus software

Google wasn't born a hardware company. We have Pixel phones and Pixel Chrome products now, but those products were all originally built by outside companies and branded with Google's own name. Google built its business on software.

When it comes to products like Android and Chrome, that software was targeted explicitly to other companies who made hardware, like Samsung or LG. Google makes money from Android and Chrome because Samsung and LG and many other companies take those products and use them; more people using Android and Chrome means more eyeballs on Google's services which means more revenue from advertisements. The hardware division at Google seems like a vanity project at times and doesn't generate any significant income.

A look at Google's tablet products quickly shows that having other companies make them is a better idea anyway. Outside of the Nexus 7, none were very well received and some were absolutely vilified by reviewers and users alike. That doesn't mean that everyone hated the products — I actually like the Pixel Slate but only when the keyboard is attached — but it does mean that none ever really had a chance to become a commercial success.

Samsung can make a good Android tablet. Well, as good as an Android tablet can be because Google doesn't really care about tablet software, either. But we'll talk more about that in a few minutes. Samsung is able to take what works on a tablet then add its own software to fill in the gaps and try to build a product that competes with the iPad. In contrast, Microsoft is able to build a laptop that's usable as a tablet and try to compete with the iPad, too. Google hasn't been able to pull it off, and I get the feeling that the people who count the beans have decided that enough is enough and there will be no more millions wasted on trying.

But the reason Google hasn't been able to pull it off is the same reason it's stopping production — Google never really cared about tablets to begin with. At least not enough.

Practice, practice, practice

Remember the Motorola Xoom? It was the first "Google-made" Android tablet and it came with a lot of promises about how Android apps would soon be better. We heard the same promise with each and every tablet to come from Google, and it just never happened. The Nexus 7 is once again a bit of an outlier, but mostly because it isn't that much bigger than many phones are today; an app built for a 6-inch phone doesn't look or act terribly on a 7-inch tablet. With the launch of the Pixel Slate, we see that not much has changed and a promise of great Android apps on a tablet is still just a promise.

That's because Google has failed to do what it needed to do in order to make them great. It decided that quantity was more important than quality and in order to claim it had millions of tablet apps in Google Play developers were not forced to make any of them good. That's not to say none of them are, but the few jewels on the tablet side of Google Play are that's only because the developers wanted it more than Google did.

Even Android and Chrome OS are not great on a tablet. Things are certainly better than they used to be, but all it takes is using a phone or a Chromebook then transitioning directly to a tablet running Android or Chrome to see that a lot more could be done to make the experience better. It all feels a bit forced, and because the operating system and the apps can run on a bigger touch display they are plopped down with a promise that things will get better. And while there have been plenty of tries, they haven't really been made to be good enough.

While this means stopping production of any tablets might make sense for the accountants because making them loses money, it also means that making the software work better on them all depends on an OEM willing to build one. Samsung's not going to stop making the Galaxy Tab any time soon, but if it did, what would Google do? With no in-house product to test with or build on, Android on a tablet either depends on cheap products built as impulse buys or it withers and dies.

Chromebooks have a slightly less bleak future, as for most people Chrome is nothing but a window to a web that's becoming touch-friendly. The controls and settings and ancillary parts of the system may feel clunky and unoptimized, but the majority of the content simply needs a well-built display and digitizer to work as a tablet. Not that many companies are rushing to build Chrome tablets, but if any were, they would benefit from Google trying to make Chrome better on a touch screen — which it is still doing because there are no plans to discontinue building self-branded Chromebooks.

Unfortunately, you only get thoughtful and well-designed software on a tablet the same way you get to Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice.

It ain't over 'til it's over

This probably isn't the last chapter in the Google tablet saga. The company can't compete with Apple and Microsoft in the tablet space right now and seems to be conceding rather than continuing to spend more money. That will probably change once someone thinks of a better way or a better reason to get the assembly lines rolling once again. In the meantime, Samsung will keep taking what Google offers and do its best to build a great Android tablet, and you can flip the screen back on your Chromebook if you crave that second-class experience of an all-touch Chrome OS. That doesn't mean we have to like it, though.

It also doesn't mean the decision makers at Google are too concerned with what we like or don't like about this one. We are the company's primary customers, but business is business and that means programs that make money will be favored. If the market shows demand for another iPad or Surface alternative, and someone at Google thinks they know a way to build one that can be better than the rest, it will happen. In the meantime, a Galaxy Tab A is less than $300 and better than any tablet Google has ever built itself.

What you need to know

• The two Celeron powered Pixel Slate tablets have been removed from the Google Store.
• The two tablets had not been well received due to their laggy performance.
• The Core m3 Pixel Slate is currently $599 with a $200 discount matching the price of the cheapest Celeron Pixel Slate.

The Celeron Pixel Slate tablets have been out of stock for the past couple of months, and if you were waiting for them to return, you can stop. Without warning, Google has pulled the two most affordable in the Pixel Slate lineup from its store this morning.

Not only have the tablets been removed from the lineup, but it appears all mention of the Celeron processor has been wiped out. Since the two tablets were only available through the Google Store, this has officially killed them off.

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has been observing at this point, with Google's penchant for killing off products and poor reception the two underpowered tablets received, it was only a matter of time.

Oh Celeron Pixel Slate, we hardly knew ye, and for those who did, you probably wish you hadn't. If anything, this is good news for the Pixel Slate brand because the reputation will no longer be tarnished by these two lagging tablets.

For now, all that remains are the Core m3, Core i5, and Core i7 models of the Pixel Slate. If you were hoping to pick up one of the cheaper Pixel Slate tablets, then you're in luck because the remaining three are currently discounted by $200.

That essentially drops the price of the more powerful Core m3 model to $599, the previous starting price for the Celeron variants. Now, not only can you save a bit of money but you're promised a much better user experience.

Google Pixel Slate vs. Google Pixelbook: Which should you buy?

Unpopular opinion time: Google's Pixel Slate isn't a bad product.

It's expensive and has limited appeal, for sure, but as far as Chrome OS on a tablet goes, it's the best you're going to find if you're willing to pay too much money for Chrome OS on a tablet. Right up front, I'm not a tablet kind of person, not at all. I don't like Chrome on a tablet, I don't like Android tablets, I don't like iPads and think any piece of glass bigger than 6 or 7-inches that doesn't have an attached keyboard best belongs in someone else's hands.

I am, however, a Chrome OS kind of person. I use a Chromebook for everything except playing my favorite PC games. I'm willing to put up with Chrome's bugs and glitches because they are better than Apple or Microsoft's bugs and glitches to me. And that's the type of person it takes to think the Pixel Slate is anything but a flop.

I felt this way when I first laid hands on the thing and after a handful of minor updates, I still feel the same: it's far better than most reviewers say it is. The two things — using Chrome every day and putting up with its wonk every day — are most certainly the reason. A reviewer who uses a MacBook or Surface every day is going to hate the thing I don't and vice versa. Trust me, nobody would be happy with my review of a computer that's not Chrome-based unless they too are just done with MacOS and Windows. That's why it's important to read more than one or two reviews before you plunk down $1,000 for something like a Pixel Slate. Or a MacBook, for that matter.

You might be asking why in the world this has come up again? Haven't we heard everything we ever need to hear about the Pixel Slate and it should stay out of the limelight until it dies? Because I'm not a tablet guy and because I have several really nice Chromebooks here, I would have agreed with you until just this past week when I dusted off the gigantic tablet to see how well some of the newer Android apps and games worked while using it. And that's when I decided it was worth talking about again.

Android apps on tablets mostly suck. Let's stop beating around the bush and come to grips with that simple fact. There are a handful that take advantage of a big screen but most of them are made by Google itself and you'll have to look long and hard to find 20 other apps worth installing on an Android tablet. You don't have to dislike tablets to agree that a lot of ... something is needing to be done if Android on a tablet is ever going to become great. One exception to this general rule, though, is gaming. Plenty of Android games are pretty darn great on an even bigger screen.

After doing my usual round of trying my apps on a tablet and hoping different results this time, I stumbled across Stardew Valley. I'm not a fan of pixel-art farming role-playing games (there are a lot of things I am not a fan of it seems) but Stardew Valley has its own quirky charm and it's easy to see why it is a hit on every screen it's available for. It's also fantastic on the Pixel Slate.

I can have it running in its own window while having a browser open to see who in the valley wants a turnip for their birthday or what that purple-haired lady likes when she's not working at the saloon. I can also get my messages and emails at the same time, just like I could if I were playing on my phone. Except I can actually see everything in a game that was designed for the PC and consoles that use a much bigger display than my phone.

One thing sets the experience apart from another Android tablet or the iPad: a real desktop-class web browser. I have all my bookmarks, all my extensions and privacy controls, can easily use my VPN if I like, and because Chrome the browser runs really well on Chrome the operating system I can have it all running at once thanks to the Pixel Slate's overkill-level of hardware. That's pretty spiffy and has me looking at more Android games that look and act great on a tablet.

I'll tire of poking at an oversized — really, 12 inches is entirely too big for a tablet unless you have the forearms of Superman — piece of glass whenever I need to type or resorting to a folio keyboard that does suck to do it soon, I'm sure. But I'm glad I gave it another try so I could remember that the Pixel Slate doesn't really suck. It's just misunderstood.

These accessories for the Pixel Slate also don't suck and are a must-have if you've picked up Google's Giant Chrome Tablet.

While the Pixel Slate is a welcome addition to Google's hardware lineup, there's one issue that holds it back from being as enjoyable to use as it should be — laggy performance when using it in tablet mode. Whether you're going through the multitasking menu or dragging two apps to be used side-by-side, these actions are met with an absurd amount of jank and laggy animations.

Thankfully, a fix is in the works for this.

As spotted by Chrome Unboxed, a bug report in the Chromium Gerrit from November 8 shows that Google's been aware of this issue and working on a fix for it. Per the report:

Google's given this bug a priority rating of 1, meaning it's one of the top concerns for the Chrome OS team right now.

It's unclear when exactly a fix will be ready, but here's to hoping it arrives sooner rather than later.

Google Pixel Slate review: Pro tablet, mediocre laptop

Google Pixel Slate

The Pixel Slate is the best Chrome tablet you can buy, but Chrome isn't perfect on any touch-only device just yet.

iPad Pro 12.9

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is one of Apple's best products and the company touts it as a laptop replacement. But it's still running mobile software which can hamper the "Pro" experience.

Apple and Google are the biggest names in tech and have a healthy rivalry. That means each tries to outdo the other, and the result is fantastic products like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and Pixel Slate. But as great as these two products are, each has its own set of flaws and a hefty price tag. Knowing which is better for you before you buy is important.

Tablets that can be laptops

Apple and Google have each built what they consider to be the ultimate portable device with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and Pixel Slate. As the cherry on top, you can also connect each to a keyboard and have the laptop experience you always wanted — as long as you're OK with a less than perfect keyboarding experience, that is. Both companies also offer a digital active stylus to pair with their flagship tablets for the times you need to draw or annotate anything on the screen.

Of course, a premium product from either company means a premium price tag. You can buy into the Pixel Slate for $599, but we wouldn't recommend it and instead consider the $799 or $999 models the bets when it comes to feature versus value. The iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 12.9-inch model, and you could spend up to $1,900 for the top of the line version. But we think the $999 base version is the one to buy based on features versus price. That's what we're comparing here — the $999 version of each. And when it comes to the specs of each model, that $999 buys a lot more when it comes to the Pixel Slate.

Both products are extremely well made. You'll find ergonomic curves everywhere and the center of mass is in the actual center of each device to make them easier to hold; these are big tablets. If you strip off all the logos, you'll see that they resemble each other in the way they are built and the final design. That's because both are designed well and made to be useful in your hands.

When it comes to the software, though, things couldn't be more different. The iPad is a powerful and beautiful device that runs iOS — Apple's mobile operating system and the same as you'll find on the iPhone. That's both good and bad. It's clear that people love iOS and find it meets their needs for almost everything, but it can be a hindrance if you have a need for desktop software; the iPad version of Photoshop is great, but if you need to use Photoshop every day it's not going to cut the mustard.

The Pixel Slate has a similar problem. It runs Google's Chrome OS, the same software that's on millions and millions of Chromebooks. It's a good piece of software that's designed to be simple to use, secure while online, and easy to manage. It also uses Android applications to round out its software catalog, which are built for mobile devices. To satisfy the needs of "power users" Google lets you install the desktop version of almost any Linux application. That's not at all user-friendly and most aren't going to work without a keyboard and mouse.

On paper, the Pixel Slate is the clear winner in the specs department. It has a powerful Intel processor, double the memory and storage, and a more dense display. Your eyes may appreciate the slightly better display and there is no doubt that having more storage is always better, but specs never tell the whole story and this is a classic example.

Apple's A12X Bionic chip is extremely powerful and designed specifically for iOS devices. Tight control over the software and the hardware means that applications will run as smooth or smoother on the iPad as they will on the Pixel Slate's beefier hardware. Apple's iPhone and iPad are known for smooth performance while the devices are current, and the iPad Pro 12.9 is no exception. You won't miss not having a "desktop" processor in the iPad at all.

That's what you really need to take away from this comparison — the iPad Pro will run every app you can install on it incredibly well. The Pixel Slate is one of the first Chrome tablets, and Chrome isn't fully baked when it comes to the touch interface. Android apps are notorious for not being great on any tablet and that becomes obvious once you use it. The one exception is the web browser. Chrome OS has the same Chrome browser you find on every desktop, but it runs so much better than it does on Windows or MacOS because the platform was built around it. If you're buying a tablet and the primary use is to browse the web — and that includes Facebook or Twitter — the Pixel Slate is hands-down the better experience.

For everything else, you need to decide if iOS has the apps that suit your needs. If you're already entrenched into the Apple ecosystem or can stay within the bounds of the App Store, the iPad Pro 12.9 is the best tablet experience possible. Both devices have excellent Pen/Pencil support and the first-party keyboards are both great for typing but suffer for not being sturdy enough to use on your lap. The big difference isn't the hardware, it's the software and the iPad Pro wins in that department for most people.

Best answer: If you are familiar with Chrome OS and looking for a tablet or two-in-one, the Pixel Slate is the most expensive and powerful of the bunch. But it has its problems and isn't for most people. The HP Chromebook X2 is a cheaper, more capable Chrome 2-in-1 that may be better for your particular needs.

• Best Buy: Pixel Slate ($799)
• Best Buy: HP Chromebook X2

How much is too much?

Google's Pixel brand of Chrome OS devices are some of the best built and beautiful laptops and tablets you'll find. It's a bit cliché, but they have the same great industrial style we see in the MacBook Air and iPad. They're also usually the most expensive Chromebooks you can buy.

I'm not afraid to spend more on a product that's better, nor am i afrid to recommend the same. But when you're talking about Chromebooks, there is one thing that needs to be considered: every model, from every manufacturer, has the same software and features. That means you're basing your buying experience on the hardware, just like you would be when buying a Windows laptop or tablet. Think of the Pixel Slate as the Microsoft Surface Pro of the Chromebook world.

The hardware, even in the base model, is quite nice. The 12.3-inch Molecular Display is one of the best you'll find, the body is perfectly machined with ergonomic curved edges and time was taken to make sure the center of balance is actually in the center of the tablet. Nobody can say that the hardware isn't spectacular. Nor can anyone say the hardware is cheap.

If you're looking for the very best Chrome tablet/two-in-one and don't mind paying too much, then you'll love the Pixel Slate. But there are other products that have great hardware and a much lower total price. Before you buy a Pixel Slate, you really need to look at the HP Chromebook X2, which at $599 offers more bang for the buck than the entry-level Pixel Slate.

For $599 you're getting a great 12.3-inch Chrome tablet/two-in-one with a good keyboard and trackpad, plus an excellent Wacom EMR active stylus. The specs aren't as magnificent as you'll find on the high-end Pixel Slate model, but an Intel Core m3 with 4GB of memory provide an excellent experience, and it's more powerful than the Celeron-powered Pixel Slate of the same price.

I have used a wide assortment of Chromebooks and really like the Pixel Slate. But I also like the HP Chromebook X2 and would recommend it for almost everyone in the market for a new Chrome tablet or laptop — or both.

Best answer: The Pixel Slate Keyboard attaches easily without any wireless pairing, has great keys for typing, and adjusts to any angle. However, it also makes things difficult if you want to use the Slate on your lap and doesn't do a great job turning the tablet experience into a laptop experience. Unless you really need a keyboard right now it might be better to wait and see how third-party options stack up.

• Best Buy: Google Pixel Slate ($799)
• Best Buy: Google Pixel Slate Keyboard ($199)
• B&H: Brydge G-Type Wireless Keyboard for Google Pixel Slate ($160)

It's not perfect

Powerful tablets that can be productive have been a thing since the first Microsoft Surface. There's a reason: They provide the convienence of using a tablet when it's easier to hold and tap things, then can get down and dirty as a laptop when you really need physical keys and a mouse pointer typing or intricate tasks. The balance is good because some things, like viewing a slide deck or even watching Netflix for example, are better on a tablet in your hands while writing a long proposal or coding a web app aren't.

They also make for an ultra-portable workstation because of how thin and light these sorts of keyboards can be. You'll see many road warriors using a Surface or an iPad Pro between flights at the airport, because they're easy to carry and they can get the job done.

The Pixel Slate Keyboard is the same way. It's thin, protects the display and gives you a set of great keys and trackpad when you need to do anything that isn't best done on a tablet. It's not without one substantial flaw — it's a little floppy.

When you're working at a desk or table, it's great and I can't say enough good things about the keyboard and how it makes the Pixel Slate better. That goes away when you're trying to use it on your lap, though, and the thin and light construction turns into a bit of a headache.

That's known as "lapability" and the Pixel Slate Keyboard is really bad in this department. The 12-inch tablet isn't super heavy and was engineered to have it's center of gravity in the middle, but it will still flop forward or back if the bottom of the keyboard isn't well supported and level. That's difficult to pull off when resting on just your legs. It can even get bad enough that you'll accidentially click the trackpad when typing. Ouch.

Thankfully, there are other options. You can check out our list of the best keyboards for the Pixel Slate.

We love having options, especially third-party ones, and there is one here in particular that we want to try the minute it becomes available: The Brydge G-Type Wireless Keyboard for Google Pixel Slate. It looks to solve the floppy problem by being a hard plastic keyboard that should offer more support for that 12-inch display while you're using it in your lap. It's currently in the pre-order stage, so we expect to see it become available soon.

Chrome tablets may be a new thing, but Google didn't try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the keyboard accessory. The thin Alcantara-covered Pixel Slate Keyboard is going to be perfect for some of us, but not all of us.

The Google Pixel Slate is one of the most powerful Chrome OS machines on the market, and in between your emails, spreadsheets, and homework, you might want to find some time to play a few games on its impressive hardware. For the ultimate gaming experience, however, we recommend picking up a gamepad. Here are a few of our favorites.

If money isn't an object and you want the best combo of style and function, it's hard to do better than the SteelSeries Nimbus. It's the one I'd probably pick, but then again, $45 is a lot to spend on a game controller. The Matricom G-Pad is a really great choice for those that are on a budget, and if you want something that'll stick out among everything else, the 8Bitdo SN30 is a no-brainer.

Tablet stands come in every shape, style, and price point under the sun, but with 7.95 inches of height, the Google Pixel Stand is ever so slightly too big for most of the "regular" tablet stands and pillows you'd find online. Never fear! We've hunted down a bevy of stands that will not only fit the Google Pixel Slate's large frame but fit your life and your needs, as well.

While there are a lot of stand options out there for the Pixel Slate, I have to say that I really like the flexibility of the the two-fer iKross mountable stand, but I also know all too well how hard it is to use a tablet in your lap comfortably, so do your wrist and neck a favor and grab the LapGear Smart-e so that you can use your Pixel Slate anywhere, but especially in bed on those lazy Sunday mornings when it's too cold to get up and too bright to sleep.

The Pixel Slate is Google's first-ever Chrome OS tablet to hit the market, and while it provides a lot to love right out of the box, you can drastically improve its capabilities with a few helpful accessories. From keyboards to styluses, these are all the official accessories you can get for the Google Pixel Slate!

We know that the Pixel Slate is already a lot of money on its own, but if you're planning on buying one, you really owe it to yourself to go all the way and get a couple accessories to complete the whole experience. The Pixel Slate Keyboard is a must for anyone that wants to get serious work done, and if you plan on taking notes or want to express your artistic side, the Pixelbook Pen is absolutely worth the cash.

The Pixel Slate mixes up everything you thought you knew about Chromebooks.

Google is a company that likes to mix everything up. That's what it has been doing with Chromebooks lately, and if you haven't used one since they were merely "laptops that run Chrome", you're in for a pleasant surprise. Chromebooks are more than anyone — even Google — had imagined they would be when the CR48, the very first Chromebook, popped up out of nowhere in 2011. They've even gone as far as becoming the ostensible replacement for Android tablets.

That's where the Pixel Slate comes into the picture. It's big, it's beautiful, it runs Chrome OS, and it's a tablet. It also redefines everything you thought you knew about Chromebooks. That's how I'm approaching this review, and looking at the Pixel Slate as a Chrome tablet, inside the Chrome ecosystem. That doesn't mean we should ignore other products, but here I'm trying to focus on Chrome OS as it is today and how the Slate fits into its future.

Pros:

• Beautiful 3000 x 2000 Molecular display
• 5 models to choose from
• Touch-friendly desktop experience
• Full support for the Pixelbook Pen
• 12 hours of battery life

Cons:

• It's big and can be unwieldy
• Pricey compared to the competition
• A complete "lapability" failure

Google Pixel Slate Hardware

Google isn't trying to sell your next Chromebook; the Pixel Slate is first and foremost a tablet.

The features you want in an Android tablet, like a gorgeous 12.3-inch patented Molecular Display, fingerprint sensor, a 7mm thick body, and a full day of battery life come along for the ride, but you're going to need to be OK with a tablet this big. After using it, I understand why the Pixel Slate Keyboard isn't included and is instead a $199 accessory. This was never intended to be a Pixelbook replacement.

The body and build Thin and iconic

The first thing you'll notice, and something that you'll always notice, is the size. A 12-inch screen isn't very big when you're talking about a laptop display, but when you squeeze it into the tablet form factor it can be a little overwhelming. You'll find just enough bezel around the edges to hold the Pixel Slate firmly, and they're functional as you'll find a pair of forward firing speakers embedded that offer surprisingly nice sound. The edges are well rounded, too, so it's comfortable to hold, and Google spent the time to ensure the center of gravity is in the actual center of the product. That's important as nobody wants a tablet this big to be top-heavy.

The power button is on the top left and it doubles as a Pixel Imprint fingerprint sensor. During setup, you provide one or more of your fingerprints and the Pixel Slate will unlock the same way your phone does. Mostly. The sensor itself seems to be fine and can read prints with the slightest of touch, but Chrome itself can act a bit different. On more than one occasion I was required to enter my password but wasn't prompted to do so. Hopefully, that's something that gets ironed out before this version of Chrome heads out to the rest of the world.

There's a camera on both sides of the Pixel Slate. The front camera is "Duo Cam-optimized," and is 8MP with 1.4um pixels and an ƒ/1.9 aperture. It's also capable of 1080p video at 30fps. On the back, you'll find an 8MP (1.12um pixel size) sensor with an ƒ/1.8 aperture that can also take video at 1080p and 30fps. The camera takes average photos and doesn't seem to have any of the Pixel Magic we see in the Pixel series of phones, which I'll admit was a dissapointment. Then again, that means nobody will be trying to use the 12-inch Pixel Slate to take photos at a concert or school play.

You'll also find a USB-C port on each side that's fully compliant with the Power Delivery specification. Since it's a Type-C connection you can also send out 4K video and will have super-fast data transfer rates with the proper cables. The included 45-watt charger gives two hours of battery life with 15 minutes of charge time and is also fully USB-C Power Delivery compliant so it can fast charge your Pixel phone and potentially any other phone that stays true to the specification. And yes, you can charge your phone with the Pixel Slate using the proper cable.

Specs Five Flavors

The Pixel Slate comes in five different configurations:

• A $599 model with 4GB RAM, 32GB of storage and an Intel Celeron processor
• A $699 model with 8GB RAM, 64GB of storage and an Intel Celeron processor
• A $799 model with 8GB RAM, 64GB of storage and an 8th Gen Intel Core m3 processor
• A $999 model with 8GB RAM, 128GB of storage and an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
• A $1599 model with 16GB RAM, 256GB of storage and an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor

Google sent us the $999 version along with a Pixel Slate Keyboard and Pixelbook Pen. The full specifications of the model we are reviewing:

The Display The Magical Molecule Tour

The Pixel Slate's 12.3-inch Molecular Display has a 3,000 x 2,000 resolution and is crisp and sharp. Google doesn't go into the details of what makes a Molecular Display but it's an LCD with a wide viewing angle that delivers great color and something you will enjoy while holding it closer to your eyes that you would with a traditional laptop.

The display itself is also optimized for the Pixelbook Pen. The Pixelbook Pen only works on the Pixelbook (hence the name) or Pixel Slate, but a standard Wacom AES stylus will work on the Pixel Slate. The extra functions, like the interaction with Google Assistant or Laser Pointing mode, aren't available, but you will still get the excellent tracking and pressure sensitivity that comes with Wacom's AES technology. Admittedly, I'm not much of a Pen user when it comes to a tablet or even my Pixelbook, but I will say that unless you already have a Wacom AES stylus you love, buy the real deal because the Assistant actions and options menu are excellent tools.

When you're using the Pixel Slate indoors or anywhere without any powerful direct sunlight it's one of the best displays you're likely to find. It's not perfect though, as it has a bit of a glare problem in the bright sunlight. Autumn in Northern Virginia isn't exactly known for being a sunny spot, so it's a problem that is likely to become worse when the sun is even brighter. It's not a deal-breaker — you can change the angle a bit and still see the screen — bit it is a bit of a nuisance that marrs an otherwise excellent screen.

The Pixel Slate Keyboard No Lapability

When it was announced that the Pixel Slate would ship without a keyboard and we would need to spend another $199 for it, like most everyone else I was extremely disappointed. Now that I've used it exclusively for a bit, I understand why: the keyboard is just an accessory and the Pixel Slate was designed to be used as a tablet. I freely admit I'm not comfortable using a 12-inch tablet and (selfishly) don't agree with the decision, but fortunately that's not my job. The Pixel Slate Keyboard is available for those times when you just have to have a keyboard.

It's a good product. You'll find Ultra-quiet Hush circular keys that are fully backlit and have a 19mm throw. That's just enough to provide the feedback for a touch-typist but still allows the keyboard itself to be just 4.5 mm thick. It pairs with the Pixel Slate using a set of docking pins and magnets for an instant and perfect connection as long as you get the two pieces close to the right spot. We see the word "instant" used often, but in this case, it fits. The moment the two parts connect the interface changes to desktop mode, or if you're typing the virtual keyboard disappears and the physical keyboard works.

The keyboard is a folio-style design, and magnets also are used to make it almost infinitely adjustable when it comes to the angle. No matter the height you're using the Slate and keyboard, you'll be able to angle the screen for the perfect view. Of course, it has a Chrome layout and also includes a dedicated Google Assistant key.

While the keyboard is really nice and works well, you won't ever want to use it unless you are sitting in front of a desk or table. Ever.

Lapability is a term coined when we first saw products like the Microsoft Surface that were tablets you could attach a thin keyboard to when you need physical keys. Something like the new Surface Go is easy to use while resting on your legs or knees and has a great lapability factor because of its design. The smaller 8-inch iPad Pro isn't nearly as good but is still quite usable on your lap. The 12.3 inch Pixel Slate and its folio keyboard are not and have abysymal lapability.

The design requires the "bottom" of the keyboard's back be resting on something sturdy — your legs are probably sturdy — and level, and your thighs while in a chair are decidedly not level. This causes the tablet part of the setup to flop forward or backward at will. To use the Pixel Slate with its keyboard while sitting means you either need to keep a hand under it or adjust your legs in a way to get a level spot for it to set. That's easier said than done, and everyone who tried using it on their lap agreed that they would rather use the virtual keyboard and remove the physical keyboard.

I don't hate the setup. When you are in front of a desk or table at the right height it's a great experience and I can type quickly and accurately. Or at least as accurately as I can on the Pixelbook or an older MacBook Pro (the one with a good keyboard and no butterflies). But having a sturdy, level surface and having it at the right height makes a big difference. Google isn't discontinuing the Pixelbook, and if you're looking for a laptop from Google, it's what you should be looking at.

The Pixel Slate is a tablet, through and through.

The Software Touch Me

Chrome OS was originally designed for use with a mouse and keyboard. It's likely that someone on the development team knew that touch optimization was on a roadmap at some point, but pointing, clicking, and a few trackpad gestures were the normal way to navigate through the user interface.

When Android was developed to be part of Chrome, that changed because there were suddenly about a million apps that were all designed for touch controls. Chromebooks had touchscreens and work was started to make the entire operating system more touch friendly. The Pixel Slate that Google sent to us has a new unreleased version of Chrome that takes things a lot further. It's still not perfect — and certainly not finished — but touch optimization takes a big leap.

The biggest way to see it in action is when using the keyboard. Chrome now has a tablet mode and a desktop mode and it instantly changes when the keyboard is attached or detached. When in tablet mode, your desktop becomes more like the home screen on your phone, and dare I say it, looks a lot like an iPad with evenly spaced icons and large touch targets. There's even a Home and Back button on the left side of the dock, as well as icons for all your open apps to quickly bring them back into focus.

Multi-window has also been refined for better touch control. You can split any app or browser tab into half of the display and when you have two apps open. The separator bar slides to adjust the widths the same as always, but the area that triggers this action is wider and stays "active" even if you remove your finger for a split second.

The onscreen keyboard is feature-filled and very much the same as you would find on your phone. It pops into view anytime you tap a spot that requires your input and you have a large choice of language settings you can switch on the fly through the keyboard options. Besides the standard letter and symbol views, you'll also find emojis, handwriting input with the Pen or your finger, and voice. Additionally, you can transform the keyboard into a small pop-out window that is movable anywhere on the screen at the tap of a button.

Android and Linux But wait there's more!

The Pixel Slate ships with Google Play up and running and the Linux app beta — where you can install a Linux environment inside Chrome and add any Linux app built for the architecture — is also easily enabled without changing software channels. This is great news for anyone who needs more than a web app or a Chrome app, but also shows one of the biggest hurdles Google has faced (and is still facing) when it comes to apps for Chromebooks. I'm talking about phone versus tablet apps, of course.

There are well over one million Android apps in Google Play that will install onto a Chromebook. Anything not interfaced based, like an icon pack or home replacement, should install and run just fine unless the developer chooses to make it unavailable for Chromebook devices. The problem is that almost all of these apps were built for a phone with a display between five and six inches. The apps will open, and in most cases work just fine, but look terrible and have an abundance of empty space once you open them to fill up the Pixel Slate's screen.

Chrome tries to overcome this by allowing you to change the window size, but then you're left with a tiny window and plenty of prime screen real estate that could be used to make a better app experience. Android was designed so that apps are infinitely scalable for any size screen. That's great because it means an app will run and work as intended but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to the user experience.

Not every app is this way. Some, like the Gmail app, have a lovely tablet design. As it should since Google is the company building it. But for every app that is well-optimized for a tablet-sized screen, there is a multitude of others that are not. Google is trying to overcome this issue through innovating methods in the Chrome interface, but in the end, it will require the app developer to step up and provide an extra large default view.

Linux applications are best used with the Pixel Slate Keyboard or a third-party mouse and keyboard combo. Very few are touch-friendly, and almost all are designed to be run in full screen. This is less of an issue because most people won't be enabling Linux or using any Linux apps in the first place. But it is still an issue that needs mentioning for those who will.

Overall, Chrome is still the same Chrome we're used to, but small tweaks make it much better to use on a tablet. I'm looking forward to seeing how Google keeps making small changes that turn Chrome into a true tablet operating system.

Which Pixel Slate model should you buy? The right choice

As mentioned, there are five current models of Pixel Slate available, with a substantial price difference between the lowest and highest specs. While it's always tempting to save some money and buy the most inexpensive version, that isn't the wisest choice for everyone when it comes to the Pixel Slate.

The $599 and $699 models are considerably more expensive that almost every other Chromebook (and Chrome tablet) with comparable specifications. An Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of memory are more than enough to power Chrome and run every Chrome and Android app you can install and you would have a fine experience with these models, but for the price, you could get something a little more powerful by buying a different brand. You can never have too much processing power when it comes to a computer because we have no idea what the next big thing will be.

At the other end of the spectrum is the $1599 model with 16GB RAM, 256GB of storage and an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. That's a lot of power for any tablet, and way more than you will ever need if you only plan to use Chrome and Android apps. This version was built for people who will use other options and either install a second operating system or choose to enable Linux apps inside Chrome. There's no doubt that it will be capable of doing just about anything with these specs, but at that price you have other options like a Microsoft Surface Pro which is the same price when configured with the same processor, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage.

More: Which Pixel Slate model is right for me?

The $799 and $999 models are where most people buying a Pixel Slate should start. Either will do everything you ever wanted when it comes to Chrome and Android apps, and which you should choose depends on what you intend to do. If you're planning on installing some more advanced software to do things like programming or engineering work through Linux applications, the $999 version is probably the better choice. For everyone else, the $799 model should be more than enough.

Final Thoughts Should you buy?

I didn't like the Pixel Slate the first day I started using it. I thought it was too big to be used as a tablet and was less than thrilled with the keyboard and was ready to write a scathing review without actually trying it to see how I could find my way of using it. I'll be honest — I'm still on the fence about a 12-inch tablet, but that is most certainly a preference thing and not aimed at just the Pixel Slate. But I'm warming up a wee bit.

My issues with the keyboard are mostly resolved, but the lack of any measurable lapability is still a stickler. I've found that using the Pixel Slate at my desk, which is set at the right height for me, isn't much different from using my Pixelbook or any other Chromebook. The Keyboard operates fine, the trackpad is what one should expect from a $200 accessory (read: it had better be damn good) and I'm enjoying the processing power of the model Google sent for both work and play.

But I also know that I didn't use $1,300 of my own dollars to buy a Pixel Slate, Pixelbook Pen, and Pixel Slate Keyboard and probably wouldn't. That's because I prefer my Chromebook to be a laptop, and that's the key when answering the "should you buy this" question.

If you want Chrome OS on a tablet, the Pixel Slate is the best one available. Especially in one of the more expensive configurations. But Google still sells the Pixelbook if you would rather use Chrome on a laptop because it's just better at it.

More: Google Pixel Slate vs. Google Pixelbook: Which should you buy?

A tougher comparison is when you want a convertible because you'll spend half your time using a tablet and half using a laptop. Products like the HP Chromebook X2 ($599 at HP) and HP Chromebook x360 ($319 at Amazon) exist, and for everyone who doesn't require ultra-high specs on their Chromebook these offer a very comparable experience at a fraction of the price once you add in the cost of the Slate's keyboard and Pen. If you're interested in buying the $599 to $799 model Pixel Slate, I urge you to have a look at HP's offerings before you spend any money.

With that important information out of the way, the Pixel Slate is a very well built and beautiful device that has few flaws outside of the price. Size is a matter of personal taste — I'm sure plenty of people would love to have a 12-inch tablet that runs Android apps. As for its lack of lapability, that's pretty black and white. If you plan to use the Slate with its keyboard while sitting in a chair at the airport or on the couch, you'll hate it. You will either need to adjust and find a flat surface to use it on or just skip the keyboard altogether and use it as a tablet.

The good news is that changes to the operating system and the quality of the Pixel Slate mean it can be used just fine without buying the keyboard in the first place.

4 out of 5

The Pixel Slate is another Google Halo device. It's the Chrome tablet for people to see just how great a Chrome tablet can be, and for other manufacturers to reference while building their own Chrome tablet. And at that, it's a masterpiece. Being extremely well built, having a great display, and advancements in the user experience department make it a success where it counts. Google almost certainly knows it won't sell millions upon millions of Pixel Slates, but it can also take a few moments and enjoy the fact that every goal was accomplished and the Pixel Slate is an amazing product where it counts.

If you have been itching for a great Chrome tablet and have the money set aside, feel good about picking one up. But if you're on the fence or have to look at your buying budget, I'd recommend waiting a bit and see what all the early adopters have to say in 90 days.

See at Best Buy

The Google Pixel Slate is a very large, very pretty, very expensive Chrome OS tablet, and however far Google has come in optimizing Chrome OS for touch-only input, if you own a Chrome OS device, you know all too well: this system begs for a keyboard. Chrome OS has some of the best shortcuts around, and besides, even with the Pixel Slate's beautiful screen, typing on a tablet is still worlds slower than typing on a real keyboard. So get a real keyboard and elevate your Pixel Slate experience to a higher level of enlightenment!

While the Google Pixel Slate keyboard is pretty, for that money, I'd just as soon get the Brydge G-Type and be able to use the Pixel Slate like a full-on laptop. For a more affordable — and compact — keyboard on the go, it's hard to say no to iClever's foldable keyboard, which can fit into the accessory pocket on most laptop/tablet sleeves.

Best answer: No. The product listing for the Pixel Slate at the Google Store clearly states "Pixelbook Pen sold separately." The Pixelbook Pen is available in white or midnight blue for an additional $99.

• Best Buy: Pixel Slate ($799+)
• Best Buy: Pixelbook Pen ($99)

$100 worth spending

Unfortunately, the Pixelbook Pen isn't included in the box with a Pixel Slate. Google confirms this on the Pixel Slate's product page with a footnote that reads Pixelbook Pen sold separately so there is no confusion, even though every product image you'll see has the Pen in it, too. You could say that it should be included because of the price and I think most people would agree, but like the keyboard it's an extra accessory purchase. But it is one that you should make because the Pen adds a lot of functionality.

The Pixelbook Pen uses Wacom's AES 2.a (Active Electrostatic second generation, the same as what's used in the Microsoft Surface Pro and iPad Pro) technology with full tilt support and pressure sensitivity. Compared to the other popular Pen input method — Wacom's EMR (Electromagnetic Resonance) that means you'll need to power the Pen using a AAAA battery, it's capable of a 1:1 pixel sensitivity, and there is zero drift while using it since the pen is the active component. It also means that longer lines have a tendency to get jittery when compared to EMR tech.

When the display is built correctly, you shouldn't really notice any difference between the two technologies and if you like to produce digital artwork or jot notes using handwriting or annotate a screenshot or photo, you'll find a good pen an invaluable tool for your tablet or laptop. Having been a daily user of the Pixelbook and its Pen for work and play over the course of a year, I can tell you it's a very well built display, drawing and writing is almost as satisfying as when done on paper, and I had no idea how handy a Pen input device for a large tablet or laptop could be until I tried it.

For writing and drawing, the Pixelbook and its Pen are fabulous. Apps like Evernote, Squid, and Nebo are Chromebook optimized which means they not only look great on the display but also have basically zero input lag and precise lines for taking notes. Google Keep and it's Chrome lock screen integration make quick notes or annotations a breeze and has become an app I couldn't live without. I also like to draw and doodle, so the Infinite Painter and Sketchbook optimization make them indispensable apps that I miss when I'm not using a Chromebook with its own Pen.

The Pixelbook Pen is useful for more than just drawing or writing, too. Press and hold the button, then circle anything you see on your screen and Google Assistant arrives to help identify, define, or otherwise assist with information. As a writer, having Google define and offer synonyms for a word is a big help and a user doing things like looking up an address or phone number is handy, too. I'm not afraid to type, but I find myself clicking my Pixelbook Pen button more often than I thought i would.

$100 it a lot of money for a stylus, active or not. But I've found the Pixelbook Pen one of those accessories that's worth its price and wouldn't hesatite to buy a replacement should I lose mine.

Best answer: The Pixel Slate is available in four different models, but for most people, the $799 or $999 versions are the only models worth consideration. If you want to stretch your dollars even further, it may be worth considering the HP Chromebook X2.

• Best Buy: Pixel Slate ($799+)
• Best Buy: HP Chromebook X2 ($600)

A wide range of specs

Google's Pixel Slate is a high-end two-in-one Chromebook with a 12.3-inch touch display and optional keyboard. Like many of Google's hardware products, they also come with a high price and it's important to make sure you are buying what you want and what you need. With five different options to choose from — each with its own price and specs — it's a good idea to think about what you want to do with a Pixel Slate as well as what it can do.

The lowest priced model is the $599 version that will come with an Intel Celeron processor, 4GB of memory and 32GB of storage. Google will also offer a similar model with the same CPU but with 8GB of memory and 64GB of storage, and while the price isn't yet disclosed, it's a fair bet to say it will be $699. These are both options that you shouldn't even think about buying because they are just too expensive.

The specs that drive these entry-level options are more than adequate for a Chromebook, whether it comes with a detachable keyboard or not. In fact, we see plenty of other great Chromebooks with very similar specs and they perform quite well. They also are several hundred dollars cheaper. The same $599 that buys the lowest spec Pixel Slate will also buy an HP Chromebook X2 with a better Intel m3 CPU and the attachable keyboard and Pen. A $500 Pixel Slate purchase does not include the keyboard, which will cost an additional $199.

Since these laptops run Chrome OS, the software and capabilities are the same no matter what company manufactures them. The Pixel Slate may be a Google product, but unlike Android phones, that makes no difference when it comes to timely updates or features. Other manufacturers are also likely to release Chrome tablets and two-in-ones and the odds are that they will be priced similar to the HP X2 and not the Pixel Slate. You can stretch your dollar further by shopping smarter, and you really should in this case.

At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the $1,599 model with an 8th generation Intel Core i7, 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage. These specs sound like a dream laptop, and the $1,500 price really isn't too much to pay for them. But you don't need these sort or internal parts.

That's not to say nobody needs these specs in a Chromebook. The software has matured and is capable of running Linux desktop-class software programs, plenty of which can put this sort of power to good use. If you're the type of person who needs this level of computing power for things like desktop multimedia processing or programming and compiling, you already know it and don't need a guide to tell you. That's because even people who do a fair bit of multimedia creation and coding just don't need these specs to do it quickly and properly. An 8th generation Core i7 is overkill for almost everything a user would need to do, at least for the foreseeable future. This model is a laptop that many of us would love to have, but once you reach this price point — and remember this doesn't include the $199 keyboard — there are better options from Apple and Microsoft.

That leaves us with the two models in the middle, which are the two most people should be looking at if they are interested in buying a Pixel Slate. They will both perform about the same until the processor is pushed to the limit, so what you plan to do will determine which model is best for you.

The $799 Intel Core m3 model with 8GB of memory and 64GB of storage would make for an excellent everyday computer for anyone without the need for specialized software. If you want a high-quality Chromebook to go online or do your taxes or even install Linux applications like Darktable to process RAW photographs, it would make for a great way to do it. It's also secure for all your online needs with Chrome as the operating system and has access to over a million Android apps from the Google Play Store. Chances are, this is the Pixel Slate you want.

If you will often have a need for any program that is math-intensive, like compiling code or any specialized industrial or scientific software, the extra $200 for the model with the 8th generation Intel Core i5 will prove more than capable and the additional storage (it is configured with 128GB versus 64GB) will provide both the room to install these programs and the disk space they need to run. This model would be perfect for field engineering work for both the professional and student or for a programmer who writes in low-level languages and needs a strong compiler that won't waste an hour each time you need to debug something.

The Pixel Slate is an ambitious offering from Google and probably won't be the company's best-selling product. But if you are interested, it's worth taking the time to decide what you plan to do and which model you need before you buy.

If you're a fan of the Google Pixel, you've likely already heard of yesterday's announcements regarding the next versions of the smartphone: the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. That wasn't the only unveil however, as Google also took the wraps off the Pixel Slate, a high-end tablet which offers the option of a detachable keyboard at an added price for even more versatility.

Having the ability to add on or remove a keyboard from your tablet at will is a great feature, but Google is charging an additional $199 for the keyboard on its website, with the Pixel Slate itself ranging in price from $599 to $1599. Depending on its configuration, this could get a bit expensive. Thankfully, third-party keyboard options are already starting to be shown off to give you a few more choices, such as Brydge's G-Type keyboard.

Priced at $159.99, the G-Type comes in at nearly $40 below the price of the official keyboard. It was designed to offer three modes of use, from the standard laptop mode to tablet mode which allows you to flip the keyboard to the back of the Pixel Slate. It's full-sized and equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, backlit keys with three levels of lighting, and the ability to last six months on a single charge. Brydge includes a limited lifetime warranty with its purchase, too.

With built-in Chrome OS shortcut keys and the largest trackpad ever found on a tablet keyboard, you should have no trouble whatsoever navigating the Pixel Slate. This keyboard was designed especially for the tablet after all, and it shows. It works with Google Assistant and charges via USB-C so you won't need a separate charger to power it up.

Though the G-Type isn't available for purchase yet, you can head to Brydge's website and join the waitlist to be notified when it becomes available.

See at Brydge