Pixel Slate Explained

Pixel Slate
Developer:Google
Manufacturer:Quanta Computer[1] (under contract)
Family:Google Pixel
Type:2-in-1 detachable
Baseprice:Celeron model:
$599 USD (4 GB RAM)
$699 USD (8 GB RAM)
Core i3 Model:
$799 USD
Core i5 model:
$999 USD
Core i7 model:
$1599 USD
Os:Chrome OS
Power:48 Wh rechargeable battery, Power Delivery over USB-C
Cpu:Intel Kaby Lake Celeron 3965Y, m3-8100Y, i5-8200Y, or i7-8500Y[2]
Memory:Celeron: 4 or 8 GB
i3: 8 GB
i5: 8 GB
i7: 16 GB
Storage:Celeron:
32 GB eMMC SSD
64 GB eMMC SSD
m3: 64 GB eMMC SSD
i5: 128 GB eMMC SSD
i7: 256 GB eMMC SSD
Memory Card:USB external storage over USB-C[3]
Display:312mm Molecular Display 3000x2000 (293 ppi, 115 px/cm) LTPS LCD with Gorilla Glass 5
Graphics:Intel UHD Graphics 615
Sound:Stereo dual-coil front-firing speakers, USB-C audio, included USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, dual microphones
Input:Multi-touch screen, Pixel Imprint fingerprint sensor, 3-axis gyroscope/accelerometer, ambient light sensor, hall effect sensor[4]
Camera:Front: 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
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 MIMO, dual-band
Bluetooth 4.2
Two USB-C ports
Pogo pin accessory connector
Dimensions:202.04mm (h)
290.85mm (w)
7mm (d)
Weight:731g
Predecessor:Pixel C
Successor:Pixel Tablet
Related:Google Pixelbook
Pixel 3

The Pixel Slate is a 12.3-inch tablet running ChromeOS. It was developed by Google and released on October 9, 2018, at the Made by Google event. In June 2019, Google announced it will not further develop the product line, and canceled two models that were under development. The Pixel Slate was removed from the Google Store in January 2021.

History

The Pixel Slate was announced on October 9, 2018;[5] prior to the Pixel Slate, the last tablet offered by Google was the Pixel C, introduced in 2015. Unlike the Pixel C, which ran on Android, the Pixel Slate used ChromeOS. Prices for the Pixel Slate ranged from $599 to $1599 in the United States, depending on the processor and storage capacity, with the tablets to be available in three countries later in 2018: the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Matching keyboard ($199) and stylus ($99) accessories also were available at launch,[6] although the stylus was a cosmetic variant of the existing stylus that had been released with the Pixelbook.[7]

Preorders for the Pixel Slate were opened on November 6, 2018, with shipments expected to begin in late November.[8] [9] The entry-level $599 and $699 Celeron-based models were listed as "out of stock" shortly after release, making the $799 m3-based model the de facto entry-level model;[10] [11] the Celeron-based models were officially discontinued in June 2019,[12] and a temporary price cut of $200 was applied to all models, making the m3-based model available at the prior $599 entry-level Celeron price point.[13] Later that month, Google Hardware Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh confirmed that Google was discontinuing first-party tablet development.[14] [15] [16]

Prices were cut by $350 for each model for the Black Friday sales in 2019, bundled with the keyboard and stylus.[17] In an apparent move to clear out inventory, the prices of the remaining three models were cut by almost half in March 2020, again with the keyboard and stylus included at the reduced prices.[18] The Pixel Slate was listed as "out of stock" or "no longer available" in December 2020, and on January 20, 2021, all listings for the Pixel Slate were removed from the Google Store.[19] Google have announced the Pixel Slate will continue to receive automatic ChromeOS updates until June 2026.[20] [21]

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 dimensions of 202× (Height × Width × Thickness). 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.[22] It is exclusively available in a "Midnight Blue" color and all models feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

I/O comprises two USB-C ports, one on each side of the device; either 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 and a 1.4μm pixel size. The rear camera also has an 8 megapixel sensor, though it has a slightly wider aperture and a 1.12μm pixel size. Both are capable of recording 1080p video at 30 fps.[23] Both camera sensors are made by Sony (IMX319 on the front, IMX355 on the rear);[24] the rear-facing Pixel Slate camera sensor is the same one used for the front-facing camera in the Pixel 3 smartphone.[25]

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, starting with a Celeron CPU and up to a Core i7 Y-series CPU, with RAM options varying from 4 GB to 16 GB. The Celeron model were discontinued in June 2019, leaving the m3, i5, and i7 models available until its formal discontinuation in January 2021.[26]

+ Configurations[27] [28] [29] Price tier
CPUGPURAMInternal storage
$799 / £749 / CA$1049Intel Core m3-8100YIntel UHD Graphics 6158 GB64 GB eMMC
$999 / £949 / CA$1299Intel Core i5-8200Y128 GB eMMC
$1599 / £1549 / CA$1999Intel Core i7-8500Y16 GB256 GB eMMC

Software

The Google Pixel Slate runs the latest version of ChromeOS, which receives regular updates issued by Google every 2 to 3 weeks.[30] Although ChromeOS is developed by Google, it is based on a Linux kernel[31] 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

The Pixel Slate has a variety of accessories sold by Google on their website or provided by third parties.[32]

Keyboard and touchpad

Although the Pixel Slate does not include a built-in keyboard, Google sells a folio-style keyboard and touchpad designed to work with the Pixel Slate. The keyboard attaches to the accessory connector through pogo pins.[33] Retail price for the keyboard was //.[28] [34] 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,[35] though not all reviewers found it problematic. Brydge also sells the G-Type, a clamshell-type keyboard for the Pixel Slate which connects via Bluetooth.[36] 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, 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. Retail price for the stylus was //.[34] [37] 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,[38] screen protectors,[39] [40] [41] and folio cases and stands.[42]

Reception

The Pixel Slate received mixed reviews, with Gizmodo claiming it to be "a nearly perfect Chrome OS device"[43] 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.[44] Marques Brownlee said of it "This ain't it chief!"[45] and devoted a large portion of his review to the lag he experienced on his device. Brownlee's review was criticized online for having unrealistic expectations of the lowest-end model, though responses generally admitted the lag he experienced to be unacceptable.[46]

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.[47] Other reviews compared it unfavorably to the HP Chromebook X2.[48] 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 with an article noting that he had made it his primary device, while still providing a wishlist of additional features.[49]

Reviews were generally positive regarding the build quality of the device,[50] the display, and the sound quality. 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 ChromeOS devices in tablet mode.[51]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pixel Slate Pops Up In FCC Filing. Early Arrival?. December 31, 2018. Brangers. Gabriel. September 2, 2018. Chrome Unboxed. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105040239/https://chromeunboxed.com/news/pixel-slate-chromebook-tablet-fcc-filing-arriving-soon.
  2. Web site: Google Pixel Slate specs, explained. December 31, 2018. October 9, 2018. Bradshaw. Kyle. 9to5Google. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105040552/https://9to5google.com/2018/10/09/google-pixel-slate-specs-explained/.
  3. Web site: The Google Pixel Slate mixes great hardware with a slight identity crisis. December 31, 2018. November 29, 2018. Horaczek. Stan. Popular Science.
  4. Web site: Pixel Slate review: Google tablet vs iPad or Surface? It's beyond compare. December 31, 2018. Miller. Matthew. ZDNet. November 27, 2018. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105041200/https://www.zdnet.com/product/google-pixel-slate/.
  5. Web site: [Update: Starting soon] Watch Made by Google's 2018 launch event for the Pixel 3, Home Hub [Livestream]]. Li. Abner. October 9, 2018. 9to5Google. January 20, 2019.
  6. News: Google announces its first tablet in three years, the Pixel Slate . Amadeo, Ron . October 9, 2018 . Ars Technica . March 11, 2021.
  7. News: Pixel Slate review: Paying the 'Google' premium for Chrome OS . Palladino, Valentina . November 29, 2018 . Ars Technica . March 11, 2021.
  8. News: Pixel Slate pre-orders are now open, ahead of late November availability . Behar, Rose . November 6, 2018 . Android Police . March 11, 2021.
  9. News: Google Pixel Slate ships today . Burns, Chris . November 27, 2018 . Slash Gear . March 11, 2021.
  10. News: Why was the $599 entry-level Google Pixel Slate announced if it doesn't exist? . Hall, Stephen . March 25, 2019 . 9 to 5 Google . March 11, 2021.
  11. News: It sure looks like Google's $599 Celeron Pixel Slate is dead . Ruddock, David . March 25, 2019 . Android Police . March 15, 2021.
  12. News: RIP: Entry Google Pixel Slate w/ Celeron processor hits the chopping block . Hall, Stephen . June 6, 2019 . 9 to 5 Google . March 11, 2021.
  13. News: With Chrome OS improvements and a $200 discount, the Pixel Slate is worth a second look . Tofel, Kevin C. . May 29, 2019 . About Chromebooks . March 15, 2021.
  14. 1141791243128590336 . Hey, it's true...Google's HARDWARE team will be solely focused on building laptops moving forward, but make no mistake, Android & Chrome OS teams are 100% committed for the long-run on working with our partners on tablets for all segments of the market (consumer, enterprise, edu) . rosterloh . June 20, 2019.
  15. News: Google Hardware quits the tablet business, again . Amadeo, Ron . June 21, 2019 . Ars Technica . March 11, 2021.
  16. News: Google's officially done making its own tablets . Raphael, JR . June 20, 2019 . Computerworld . March 11, 2021.
  17. News: Google Pixel Slate now as low as $450 ($350 off), keyboard and pen included . Davenport, Corbin . November 24, 2019 . March 11, 2021.
  18. News: Pixel Slate fire sale sees $300-$700 price drop, free pen, free keyboard . Amadeo, Ron . March 3, 2020 . Ars Technica . March 11, 2021.
  19. News: [Update: Final] Pixel Slate discontinued and removed from Google Store ]. Li, Abner . January 29, 2021 . 9 to 5 Google . March 11, 2021.
  20. Web site: Pixelbook final software update . Google Support . March 11, 2021.
  21. News: Google gives most Chromebooks an extra year of software support (Update: Six more models) . Davenport, Corbin . November 5, 2019 . Android Police . March 11, 2021.
  22. Web site: Pixel Slate review: Paying the "Google" premium for Chrome OS. Palladino. Valentina. November 29, 2018. Ars Technica. en-us. January 20, 2019.
  23. Web site: Compare Google Pixel Slate Specs, Weight, and Dimensions - Google Store. store.google.com. January 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190201153436/https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_slate_specs?hl=en-US . February 1, 2019 . dead.
  24. News: The Google Pixel Slate is a High-End, Detachable Chrome OS Tablet . Rahman, Mishaal . October 9, 2018 . XDA Developers . March 11, 2021.
  25. News: The Google Pixel 3 uses a new Sony camera sensor for its front-facing camera . Rahman, Mishaal . October 15, 2018 . XDA Developers . March 11, 2021.
  26. News: Pelegrin. Williams. June 6, 2019. The Celeron version of the Pixel Slate is officially dead. Android Authority. July 14, 2020.
  27. Web site: Making sense of Pixel Slate's crazy CPU options. January 1, 2019. VentureBeat. Horowitz. Jeremy. October 12, 2018. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105041534/https://venturebeat.com/2018/10/12/making-sense-of-pixel-slates-crazy-cpu-options/.
  28. Web site: Google Pixel Slate review . Burrell, Henry . November 21, 2019 . Tech Advisor . March 11, 2021.
  29. Web site: Google reveals 'Pixel Slate' Chrome OS-powered 2-in-1 tablet . Chhabra, Sameer . October 9, 2018 . Mobile Syrup . March 11, 2021.
  30. Web site: 6 important things you might not know about Chrome OS upgrades. Raphael. J. R.. September 27, 2018. Computerworld. en. January 20, 2019.
  31. Web site: Google's 'Pixel Slate' may come with 2 operating systems - ET Telecom. Telecom News(No last name provided). INAS. ETTelecom.com. en. January 20, 2019. February 4, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122303/https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/googles-pixel-slate-may-come-with-2-operating-systems/66037052. dead.
  32. Web site: Google Device Accessories. Google Store. en-US. January 20, 2019.
  33. Web site: Google Pixel Slate Review. January 4, 2019. Casey. Henry. Laptop Mag. November 27, 2018. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105041743/https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/google-pixel-slate.
  34. Web site: Google Pixel Slate: Perfect for Work and Play . Vokoun, Matt . October 9, 2018 . Google Official Canada Blog . Google Canada . March 11, 2021.
  35. Web site: Hands on with Google Pixel Slate. January 4, 2019. Wong. Raymond. October 9, 2018. Mashable. January 4, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190104052132/https://mashable.com/article/google-pixel-slate-hands-on/.
  36. Web site: Review: Brydge's G-Type keyboard for Pixel Slate solves the problems with Google's version. January 4, 2019. September 28, 2018.
  37. News: Google Pixel Slate Release Date, Price & Specs . Bradley, Sean . October 9, 2018 . Tech Advisor . March 11, 2021.
  38. Web site: These are all the official accessories for Google Pixel Slate . November 28, 2018 . February 17, 2019 . Joe Maring. Android Central.
  39. Web site: Google Pixel Slate Screen Protector - ArmorSuit. February 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190217162104/https://www.armorsuit.com/products/google-pixel-slate-screen-protector.
  40. Web site: Google Pixel Slate Screen Protector. February 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190217162236/https://www.xtremeguard.com/Google-Pixel-Slate-Screen-Protector-p/google_pixel_slate_screen_pro.htm.
  41. Web site: Moshi iVisor Anti-Glare Screen Protector for Google Pixel Slate. February 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190217162242/https://store.google.com/us/product/moshi_anti_glare_screen_cover?hl=en-US.
  42. Web site: Best Stands for Google Pixel Slate. November 28, 2018. Ara Wagoner. Android Central.
  43. Web site: Google Pixel Slate Review: a Nearly Perfect Chrome OS Device. January 4, 2019. December 12, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181212165235/https://gizmodo.com/the-google-pixel-slate-is-a-brilliant-chrome-os-respons-1830679518. November 28, 2018. Cranz. Alex. Gizmodo. Univision Communications.
  44. Web site: Google Pixel Slate review: a strong case for death of Android tablets. January 4, 2019. The Guardian. Gibbs. Samuel. November 27, 2018. January 4, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190104185516/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/nov/27/google-pixel-slate-review-chrome-os-android-tablets.
  45. Web site: Google Pixel Slate: This Ain't It Chief! - YouTube. January 4, 2019. December 21, 2018. Brownlee. Marques. .
  46. Web site: Pro tip: The Pixel Slate with Celeron doesn't reflect the whole product line. January 4, 2019. December 22, 2018. Tofel. Kevin. About Chromebooks. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105042516/https://www.aboutchromebooks.com/news/celeron-pixel-slate-review-video/.
  47. Web site: Google Pixel Slate Review - Digital Trends. Larsen. Luke. November 27, 2018. Digital Trends. https://web.archive.org/web/20181010130703/https://www.digitaltrends.com/laptop-reviews/google-pixel-slate-review/. October 10, 2018. January 4, 2019.
  48. Web site: Google Pixel Slate review: Google's pricey vision of a tablet-meets-Chromebook doesn't quite gel. January 4, 2019. CNet. January 2, 2019. Stein. Scott. January 4, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190104001250/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/google-pixel-slate-review/.
  49. Web site: One month with the Google Pixel Slate: Productivity unhinged. January 4, 2019. December 20, 2018. Miller. Matthew. ZDNet. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105042950/https://www.zdnet.com/article/one-month-with-the-google-pixel-slate-productivity-unhinged/.
  50. Web site: Google Pixel Slate review: Pro tablet, mediocre laptop. January 4, 2019. December 29, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181229043551/https://www.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-slate-review. November 27, 2018. Hildenbrand. Jerry. Android Central.
  51. Web site: Chromebook Tablet Mode Lag, Jank Getting A Fix. January 4, 2019. December 30, 2018. Payne. Robby. Chrome Unboxed. January 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043139/https://chromeunboxed.com/news/chromebook-tablet-mode-lag-jank-fix/.

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