Pixel C, First Tablet Designed/Built by Google
The launch of the Pixel C was done reluctantly during the Nexus 5X and 6P event by Google providing us some insight onthe tabs though at the same time offering very little information. It is the new venture for Google since the Gadget Pixel C is considered to be the first tablet designed and built by Google. The earlier Google tabs wearing the Nexus brand were manufactured by Asus and HTC and yet this time Google seemed to have complete control over all aspects, moulding the device particularly for Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
With the 10.2-inch display together with the premium build it means that the Pixel C is comfortably at the top of the tablet market above the Nexus 9 bridging the gap between the Nexus tabs and Chromebook Pixel laptop of Google.
Google has also been offering a keyboard dock which tends to change the Pixel C from a typical Android tablet into a fusion laptop. Google is also watchful on the market which is presently being challenged by Microsoft Surface Pro 5 and iPad Pro.
There are two models of Pixel C of 32GB and 64GB wherein the 32GB is £399 – US $ 499, around AU$680, while the larger storage size is made available for £479- US$599, around AU$820.
Pixel C Cheaper than iPad Pro/Surface Pro 4
This Gadget is quite cheaper than the iPad Pro and Surface Pro 4 then though the price of the 16GB and 64GB iPad Air 2s were matched by Google and if one chooses the cheaper version of the Pixel C they would get twice the storage of the entry level tab of Apple.
It is a known fact that the Gadget is a premium tablet. Complete in Anodized aluminium, the Pixel C looksand feels like a luxurious piece of tech. The style is not light but at 517 g it seems to be significantly heavier than the equally proportioned iPad Air 3 that tips the scales at 437 g but the Air 2 is said to be narrower as well as thinner than the 242 x 179 x 7mm.
There is a strong amount of bezel around the 10.2-inch display. The power/lock key is placed on the left of the top area when the Pixel C is held in landscape position. And the volume rockers are high up towards the left with a USB-C port below on the same side.
Landscape Mode/Portrait Mode
The USB-C port permits the user to charge the Pixel C as well as transfer the data to and from it. Moreover it also has another benefit.
You can connect the phone or Pixel laptop to the Pixel C and the tablet can charge the other devices, if your phone is low and another power outlet is not available. Besides this there are also dual stereo speakers on both side of the Gadget tablet together with a 3.5mm headphone jack with a selection of features towards the right area of the Pixel C.
Towards the back, joined by the iconic Chromebook light bar shining in four trademark colours of Google, is the 8MP camera. On double tapping the light bar, it tends to display the battery level of the Pixel C in spite of the device being turned off which is necessary if the user needs to know if a quick charge is essential.
The placement of the different buttons together with the light bar shows that Google intends the user to utilise the Pixel C in landscape mode most of the time though portrait mode is also available which is probably enhanced for actions like web browsing.
