From Engadget · Nathan Ingraham · · 3m
I tried every new Googlebook announced today
Five premium laptops from major manufacturers debut Google's new computing platform with distinctive designs and premium specs.
In brief
Five premium laptops from major manufacturers debut Google's new computing platform with distinctive designs and premium specs. Googlebooks are premium laptops with at least 16GB RAM, 14-hour batteries, and a signature Glowbar light feature, starting at $899 from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo. Originally reported by…
Five companies launch Googlebooks
Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo are now taking pre-orders for their first Googlebooks, Google's new premium laptop line that goes beyond traditional Chromebooks.
Premium specs across the board
All five Googlebooks include at least 16GB of RAM and batteries rated for 14 hours of video playback or 16 hours of web browsing, setting them apart from entry-level Chromebooks.
Processors split between Intel and Qualcomm
Acer, ASUS and Lenovo use Intel's Core Ultra 5 Series 3 chips, while Dell and HP opt for Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processor for their Googlebooks.
Glowbar is the signature feature
Every Googlebook has a Glowbar, a light-up array on the back of the lid that sweeps during boot, shows battery level, and will support developer animations for Gemini interactions.
Acer Googlebook 14 convertible
Acer's sole convertible model features a 360-degree hinge, 2,880 x 1,800 OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and weighs half a pound less than its predecessor at $899.
ASUS Googlebook 14 ultra-portable
ASUS delivers a 2.2-pound ultralight design with a large haptic trackpad tuned for palm rejection and the same 14-inch OLED display as Acer, priced at $1,299.
Dell XPS Googlebook thinnest option
Dell's XPS Googlebook is the thinnest and smallest at 12.7mm with a 13.4-inch display and super-small bezels, using Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chip and starting at $1,199.
Dell XPS available at Best Buy discount
Best Buy is initially offering the Dell XPS Googlebook for $999, undercutting its $1,199 starting price, with higher-end models featuring 32GB RAM and 1TB storage coming later.
HP Googlebook 14 premium build
HP's 14-inch model uses Snapdragon X Elite, features an all-aluminum build, excellent keyboard, large haptic trackpad, and face authentication plus fingerprint sensor at $1,299.
Lenovo Googlebook 15 largest screen
Lenovo's 15-inch OLED model is the only Googlebook with that screen size, includes face unlock, fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos audio, and uses Intel Core Ultra 5 starting at $1,099.
Lenovo pricing varies by retailer
Best Buy lists the Lenovo Googlebook 15 at $1,099, while the Google Store prices the same configuration at $1,349, making it the most expensive Googlebook available.
Acer offers Core Ultra 7 upgrade
Acer and ASUS both plan to offer Googlebook models with Intel's more powerful Core Ultra 7 chip for users needing additional processing power beyond the standard Core Ultra 5.
The big picture
Googlebooks are premium laptops with at least 16GB RAM, 14-hour batteries, and a signature Glowbar light feature, starting at $899 from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo.
