The Google Pixel Slate is a great 2-in-1 with small issues that Google needs to fix.
Good
Gorgeous display
Good battery life
Excellent speakers
Full desktop browser on a tablet is extremely useful
Bad
Performance as a tablet is subpar
Android apps on Chrome OS are still a confusing mess
Very expensive
Pricey keyboard folio doesn’t work well on your lap
There so much about the Google Pixel Slate that I loved, including its beautiful screen, comfortable keyboard, great sound and long battery life. Unfortunately, this machine comes with a few issues, including some notable bugs that Google should fix. It will take longer, though, for Google Play apps to feel like native tablet apps.
For basic office work, web browsing and media consumption the Pixel Slate’s screen is excellent. The “all new Molecular Display” is a 12.3-inch LCD panel with an impressive 3000 x 2000 resolution. The size and dimensions are large and sharp enough to make movie-watching and multiple window office work comfortable on the device.
The Slate runs the latest version of Chrome OS, which continues Google’s ongoing effort to combine its desktop software with Android. The OS has two UIs, one for tablet and one for desktop. The desktop mode kicks in when you attach the optional folio keyboard dock. It looks the same as what you’ll see on most regular Chromebooks.
The bottom navigation bar has shortcuts to installed apps, plus a battery icon and shortcut to basic settings for items such as Wi-Fi and screen brightness. On the left is a handy shortcut to Google Assistant. Google Assistant remains a key selling point; it’s step above Microsoft’s Cortana and Apple’s Siri in nearly every way.
If performance and battery life are your top priorities, check out the 12.9-inch iPad Pro ($999 with optional $199 keyboard), but realize that iOS may not have everything you need to replace your current laptop, especially if you prefer to have a touchpad. If you prefer Windows, check out the Surface Pro 6, which costs $1,128 with keyboard and pen.
It sports an atypical keyboard design and docking mechanism. For starters, the Pixel Slate’s option folio keyboard cover is full-sized. This is a big step up on the iPad Pro keyboard cover, which is cramped, no matter how you look at it. The Pixel Slate’s keyboard also has a full-sized trackpad, which makes using it as a laptop/Chromebook far more pleasant.
The snap-on magnetic docking system lets you set the device at any angle, rather than limiting you to only a few as the iPad Pro does.
Key Specifications
Review Price: £749
12.3-inch 3000 x 2000 (293 ppi) LCD display, 400 nits for use in bright areas
Intel CPU options
4-16GB RAM
32-256GB Storage
46Wh battery
Chrome OS
Right now, I’d say that the Pixel Slate feels like a device for the adventurous types who love Android and Chrome, and are OK with some bugs. Once those issues are cleared, though, Google’s got an excellent 2-in-1 on its hands.
