Google's new Googlebook laptops offer premium hardware but weak software

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 21:20 · Archive

Google has launched Googlebooks, premium laptops combining ChromeOS and Android, with strong hardware but underdeveloped operating system features.

Google has launched Googlebooks, a new premium laptop range aimed at competing with MacBook Air and Surface Laptop machines. Made by traditional PC manufacturers including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, they start at £999 and represent a significant step up from budget Chromebooks, which begin at £160.

The machines meet strict hardware standards set by Google. The Acer Googlebook 14, priced at £999.99, is a convertible device weighing 1.14kg with a 14in 3K OLED screen, backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader. The Asus Googlebook 14 costs £1,199.99, weighs 0.99kg and features a traditional laptop design with a matt 14in 3K OLED screen. Both models include at least 16GB of RAM and modern fast chips.

Reviewers praise the hardware quality. The Guardian notes the keyboards are satisfying and trackpads are great, while TechRadar reports the screen looks fantastic and on-device AI feels well integrated. However, both outlets identify significant weaknesses in the software. The Guardian describes the machines as let down by software flaws, and TechRadar reports that Googlebook OS feels underbaked at the moment, though some Android ecosystem features show promise. TechRadar also notes battery life is disappointing.

How it is being reported

• Acer Googlebook 14 reviewThe Acer Googlebook 14 is the most affordable of this new breed of laptops — but is it the MacBook Air killer Android users have been waiting for?TechRadar · 20 Oct, 21:00
• Googlebook review: Google’s new laptops are woefully underbakedGreat hardware let down by software flaws on these pricey machines that combine ChromeOS with Android Google’s attempt to create a new type of laptop to compete with Windows and macOS machines is finally here, combining the best of ChromeOS and Android into the new Googlebook. With advanced links to Android phones and the best of Google built in, can these Googlebooks really compete with a MacBook Air or Surface Laptop? I took two for a spin to find out. For years, Chromebooks have been the boss of budget laptops, but Googlebooks take a different, far more premium approach. Made by a range…The Guardian · 20 Oct, 07:00

In this story: Google · Acer · Asus · Dell · HP · Lenovo

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem