Pixel Slate

The Pixel Slate is a 12.3-inch tablet running Chrome OS. It was developed by Google and released on October 9, 2018 at the Made by Google event[5] with a price starting at US$599.[6] In June 2019, Google announced it will not further develop the product line, and cancelled two models that were under development.[7]

Pixel Slate
DeveloperGoogle
ManufacturerQuanta Computer[1] (under contract)
Product familyGoogle Pixel
Type2-in-1 detachable
Release dateOctober 9, 2018 (2018-10-09)
Introductory priceCeleron model:
$599 USD (4 GB RAM)
$699 USD (8 GB RAM)
Core m3 Model:
$799 USD
Core i5 model:
$999 USD
Core i7 model:
$1599 USD
Operating systemChrome OS
CPUIntel Kaby Lake Celeron 3965Y, m3-8100Y, i5-8200Y, or i7-8500Y[2]
MemoryCeleron: 4 or 8 GB
m3: 8 GB
i5: 8 GB
i7: 16 GB[2]
StorageCeleron:
32 GB eMMC SSD
64 GB eMMC SSD
m3: 64 GB eMMC SSD
i5: 128 GB eMMC SSD
i7: 256 GB eMMC SSD
Removable storageUSB external storage over USB-C[3]
Display312 mm (12.3 in) Molecular Display 3000x2000 (293 ppi, 115 px/cm) LTPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 5[2]
GraphicsIntel UHD Graphics 615
SoundStereo dual-coil front-firing speakers, USB-C audio, included USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, dual microphones[2]
InputMulti-touch screen, Pixel Imprint fingerprint sensor,[2] 3-axis gyroscope/accelerometer, ambient light sensor, hall effect sensor[4]
CameraFront: 8 MP, ƒ/1.9 aperture wide FoV, 1080p 30fps video, 1.4μm pixel size
Rear: 8 MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture, 1080p 30fps video, 1.12μm pixel size[2]
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 MIMO, dual-band
Bluetooth 4.2[2]
Two USB-C ports
Pogo pin accessory connector
Power48 Wh rechargeable battery, Power Delivery over USB-C
Dimensions202.04 mm (7.954 in) (h)
290.85 mm (11.451 in) (w)
7.0 mm (0.28 in) (d)[2]
Mass731 g (1.612 lb)[2]
PredecessorPixel C
Related articlesGoogle Pixelbook
Pixel 3
Websitestore.google.com/us/product/pixel_slate

Specifications

Hardware

The Google Pixel Slate features a 12.3-inch (310mm) "Molecular" LCD display with resolution of 3000 by 2000 (293ppi). The device has a thickness of 7 mm, a height of 202 mm and width of 290.9 mm. The Slate features Intel processors ranging from a Celeron processor to an 8th-generation Core i7 and RAM available in 4, 8, and 16 GB. All models include a "Titan C" security chip.[8] It is exclusively available in a "Midnight Blue" color and all models feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

I/O comprises USB-C ports on either side of the device, both of which can be used for charging its 48 Wh battery as well as media transfer. It has two cameras, one on the front and rear. The front camera has an 8-megapixel sensor with an aperture of ƒ/1.9 and a 1.4μm pixel size. The rear camera also has an 8 megapixel sensor, though it has an ƒ/1.8 aperture and a 1.12μm pixel size. Both are capable of recording 1080p at 30 fps.[9]

Model-specific specs

The Pixel Slate is Google's first tablet to be powered by Intel processors, making it more similar in hardware to the Google Pixelbook and Chromebook Pixel. It has 5 hardware configurations available, with a Celeron CPU on the low end and a Core i7 Y-series CPU on the high end, with RAM options varying from 4 GB to 16 GB.

Configurations[2][10]
Price tier (USD) CPU GPU RAM Internal storage
$599 Intel Celeron 3965Y Intel UHD Graphics 615 4 GB 32 GB eMMC
$699 8 GB 64 GB eMMC
$799 Intel Core m3-8100Y
$999 Intel Core i5-8200Y 128 GB eMMC
$1599 Intel Core i7-8500Y 16 GB 256 GB eMMC

Software

The Google Pixel Slate runs the latest version of Chrome OS, which receives regular updates issued by Google every 2 to 3 weeks.[11] Although Chrome OS is developed by Google, it is based on a Linux kernel[12] similar to Android. As such the Pixel Slate can run Android apps natively with the Google Play Store.

When the Pixel Slate shipped it featured a revamped UI, new features, and bug fixes that weren't previously available on the Slate's predecessor, the Pixelbook.

Accessories[13]

The Pixel book has a variety of accessories sold by Google on their website or provided by third parties.

Keyboard and trackpad

Although the Pixel Slate does not include a built-in keyboard, Google sells a folio-style keyboard and trackpad designed to work with the Pixel Slate. The keyboard attaches to the accessory connector through pogo pins.[14] The keyboard is very similar to the standard for Chromebook keyboards, with the Caps Lock key used to open the application menu and lacking traditional Function Keys, with buttons on the function key row specifically assigned to per-application or global shortcuts. Like the Pixelbook, the Pixel Slate keyboard comes with a dedicated Google Assistant button in the location where most keyboards have a Windows key.

Google's keyboard was criticized for difficulty in using the tablet and keyboard on one's lap,[15] though not all reviewers found it problematic.[14] Brydge also sells the G-Type, a clamshell-type keyboard for the Pixel Slate which connects via Bluetooth.[16] The G-Type is very similar to their keyboard for the Surface Pro, and is able to be used with other devices that accept Bluetooth.

Pixelbook Pen

The Pixel Slate is compatible with the Pixelbook Pen,[2] an active stylus originally released by Google for use with the Pixelbook. On the launch of the Slate, Google made the pen available in "Midnight Blue" to match the Pixel Slate. The Slate also works with several third-party styluses, though they must use the AES protocol.

Other accessories

Many of Google's Pixel branded accessories such as the Pixel Buds work with the Pixel Slate, but some third party manufacturers have made accessories for the Slate, including rubber cases,[17] screen protectors,[18][19][20] and folio cases and stands.[21]

Reception

The Pixel Slate received mixed reviews, with Gizmodo claiming it to be "a nearly perfect Chrome OS device"[22] and The Guardian saying it "makes a very convincing argument for the death of Android tablets", while also noting that there were some issues with the Android experience.[23] Marques Brownlee said of it "This ain't it chief!"[24] and devoted a large portion of his review to the lag he experienced on his device. Brownlee's review was criticised online for having unrealistic expectations of the lowest-end model, though responses generally admitted the lag he experienced to be unacceptable.[25]

Many reviews praised the Pixel Slate as being more of a crossover device than the iPad Pro or Surface Pro 6, while not quite matching up to either device's strengths.[26][22] Other reviews compared it unfavorably to the HP Chromebook X2.[27] Several also criticized the price, noting that devices like the HP Chromebook X2 were significantly cheaper for similar hardware. ZDNet's Matthew Miller followed up his generally positive review[4] with an article noting that he had made it his primary device, while still providing a wishlist of additional features.[28]

Reviews were generally positive regarding the build quality of the device,[29][23] the display,[27] and the sound quality.[26] The primary negative review points were to do with software lag. It was reported in late December 2018 that Google were working on the issues reported, which affects all Chrome OS devices in tablet mode.[30]

References
  1. Brangers, Gabriel (2018-09-02). "Pixel Slate Pops Up In FCC Filing. Early Arrival?". Chrome Unboxed. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2018-12-31.
  2. Bradshaw, Kyle (2018-10-09). "Google Pixel Slate specs, explained". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2018-12-31.
  3. Horaczek, Stan (2018-11-29). "The Google Pixel Slate mixes great hardware with a slight identity crisis". Popular Science. Retrieved 2018-12-31.
  4. Miller, Matthew (2018-11-27). "Pixel Slate review: Google tablet vs iPad or Surface? It's beyond compare". ZDNet. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2018-12-31.
  5. Li, Abner (2018-10-09). "[Update: Starting soon] Watch Made by Google's 2018 launch event for the Pixel 3, Home Hub [Livestream]". 9to5Google. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  6. "Pixel Slate". Google Store. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  7. https://www.computerworld.com/article/3404206/googles-officially-done-making-its-own-tablets.html
  8. Palladino, Valentina (2018-11-29). "Pixel Slate review: Paying the "Google" premium for Chrome OS". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  9. "Compare Google Pixel Slate Specs, Weight, and Dimensions - Google Store". store.google.com. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  10. Horowitz, Jeremy (2018-10-12). "Making sense of Pixel Slate's crazy CPU options". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
  11. Raphael, J. R. (2018-09-27). "6 important things you might not know about Chrome OS upgrades". Computerworld. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  12. Telecom News(No last name provided), INAS. "Google's 'Pixel Slate' may come with 2 operating systems - ET Telecom". ETTelecom.com. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  13. "Google Device Accessories". Google Store. Retrieved 2019-01-20.
  14. Casey, Henry (2018-11-27). "Google Pixel Slate Review". Laptop Mag. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  15. Wong, Raymond (2018-10-09). "Hands on with Google Pixel Slate". Mashable. Archived from the original on 2019-01-04. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  16. "Review: Brydge's G-Type keyboard for Pixel Slate solves the problems with Google's version". 2018-09-28. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  17. Joe Maring (2018-11-28). "These are all the official accessories for Google Pixel Slate". Android Central. Retrieved 2019-02-17.
  18. "Google Pixel Slate Screen Protector - ArmorSuit". Archived from the original on 2019-02-17.
  19. "Google Pixel Slate Screen Protector". Archived from the original on 2019-02-17.
  20. "Moshi iVisor Anti-Glare Screen Protector for Google Pixel Slate". Archived from the original on 2019-02-17.
  21. Ara Wagoner (2018-11-28). "Best Stands for Google Pixel Slate". Android Central.
  22. Cranz, Alex (2018-11-28). "Google Pixel Slate Review: a Nearly Perfect Chrome OS Device". Gizmodo. Univision Communications. Archived from the original on 2018-12-12. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  23. Gibbs, Samuel (2018-11-27). "Google Pixel Slate review: a strong case for death of Android tablets". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2019-01-04. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  24. Brownlee, Marques (2018-12-21). "Google Pixel Slate: This Ain't It Chief! - YouTube". Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  25. Tofel, Kevin (2018-12-22). "Pro tip: The Pixel Slate with Celeron doesn't reflect the whole product line". About Chromebooks. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  26. Larsen, Luke (2018-11-27). "Google Pixel Slate Review - Digital Trends". Digital Trends. Archived from the original on 2018-10-10. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  27. Stein, Scott (2019-01-02). "Google Pixel Slate review: Google's pricey vision of a tablet-meets-Chromebook doesn't quite gel". CNet. Archived from the original on 2019-01-04. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  28. Miller, Matthew (2018-12-20). "One month with the Google Pixel Slate: Productivity unhinged". ZDNet. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  29. Hildenbrand, Jerry (2018-11-27). "Google Pixel Slate review: Pro tablet, mediocre laptop". Android Central. Archived from the original on 2018-12-29. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  30. Payne, Robby (2018-12-30). "Chromebook Tablet Mode Lag, Jank Getting A Fix". Chrome Unboxed. Archived from the original on 2019-01-05. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
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