Google’s new laptop platform is ready for shoppers. The first five Googlebook laptops, built by Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo, go on sale on October 4 in the US and October 5 in Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Australia.
Prices start at $899 (£999), and pre-orders are open through the Google Store and selected retailers.
What is a Googlebook?
Google first revealed Googlebook in May as a new category of AI-first laptops. The machines run a new Android-based operating system rather than ChromeOS. Google has not said Googlebook replaces the Chromebook, but it is widely seen as its successor. Existing Chromebooks will keep receiving updates.
The five launch models
- Acer: the only convertible, switching between laptop and tablet modes.
- ASUS: the lightest, at 2.2 pounds.
- Dell: the most distinctive design of the group.
- HP: a premium, refined finish.
- Lenovo: a 15-inch display aimed at productivity.
Specs
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or Snapdragon X Elite processors.
- Neural processing units rated above 45 TOPS for on-device AI.
- At least 16GB of RAM, with 32GB on selected models.
- Touchscreens up to 2.8K resolution.
- Up to 14 hours of video playback or 16 hours of web browsing.
Gemini features
The headline feature is Magic Pointer, a Gemini-powered cursor. Wiggle it over something on screen, and it suggests actions, such as turning a date in an email into a calendar event.
Other features include:
- Running Android phone apps on the laptop and browsing phone files.
- “Create your Widget”, which lets users ask Gemini to build custom dashboard widgets connected to Gmail and Calendar.
- A “Glowbar” light strip for startup animations and battery status.
Extras in the box
Every Googlebook includes 12 months of Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage, plus three months each of YouTube Premium, Adobe Photoshop and CapCut. Google promises software updates for up to 10 years.
Should you buy one?
At $899 and up, Googlebooks sit well above budget Chromebooks and compete with Windows Copilot+ PCs and the MacBook Air. They make most sense for people already invested in Android and Google’s services. Buyers who rely on specialist Windows or Mac software should check app support first.
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