Google, which seemed to have dropped off the tablet market after its few initial attempts has come back with a vengeance. Eschewing the ‘tablet’ label, the search giant is calling the latest in its device family the Google Pixel Slate.
In a slight departure from the mainstream tablet market though, instead of the standard ARM SOC processors the Google Pixel Slate will be powered by Intel 8th Core processors. Similar to larger tablets like the Apple iPad Pro and Huawei’s MediaPad M5 Pro, the Slate will also have an optional keyboard and pen.
From what we’ve seen so far, the Slate is sort of a mix between the main contenders in its weight class – dimensionally a mix of the M5 Pro and iPad Pro while featuring all the design class of the Microsoft Surface.
The end result – a slate/tablet that’s powerful, feature rich and beautiful.
“The new Google Pixel Slate showcases the exceptional performance and capabilities of 8th Gen Intel Core processors for a range of sleek 2 in 1 and thin-and-light devices that are transforming our ability to create, connect and contribute,” says Chris Walker, Intel vice president in the Client Computing Group.
According to Walker the Google Pixel Slate brings to the table the combined efforts of engineering teams from both Intel and Google.
At its lowest configuration, the Slate has an Intel Celeron processor, but is also available in the full range of 8th Gen. Intel chips from the i3 to the i7. It runs on Google’s Chrome OS and packs in as much as 16GB of RAM, a 48Wh battery, and Fingerprint sensor. Fitted in a 12.3-inch format with Molecular Display @ 293 ppi, the slate is priced by Google at a starting price of $599.
The Slate is expected to market by the end of this year in the US, Canada and the UK. No news on other region availability yet though.