Googlebooks. Anyone have an interest?

[EarDemon]

I love the idea of an Android laptop, don't love the idea of all of the AI crap.

If you can download and use other browsers besides Chrome and they support extensions I can see myself giving these a try one day. I've moved over to Edge as my default web browser since it supports desktop style tabbed browsing on foldables, unlike Firefox and supports extensions, specifically ad blocking extensions, unlike Chrome. I realize it may be too much of an ask to get Bypass Paywalls Clean working on one of these, but no uBlock, no go for me. I use very few of Google's services. Don't use Google Docs/Sheets, don't use Keep, don't use Google Drive, don't use Google Photos, don't use GMail so all of the Google integration would do me no good.

Googlebook: A Laptop Designed for Gemini Intelligence

The first laptop designed for Gemini Intelligence. Googlebook is crafted with premium materials for powerful performance, and syncs effortlessly with your phone.

googlebook.google

 

[Foxbat]

Just get some flavor of Linux. Chromebooks and Googlebooks aren't aimed at you, more towards the most casual of users.

Oh, actually, these appear to be targeting Apple and their integrated ecosystem where you can access iPhone apps on your MacBook; just the Google Android version. If you're an Android user, this probably makes a lot more sense than a Windows device.

 

[cp2k]

If you don't rely on Google services you aren't going to get much of a benefit out of Google Books. It's pretty much like buying a Macbook when the rest of your life revolves around Android or Microsoft products. It will work, but it's going to be a rocky relationship.
I work in education and for years we've given students Chromebooks and frankly everyone hates them- teachers, students, IT people, etc. We're in the process of going to Macbook Neos for staff and back to iPads for students. Many districts around us have already done the same thing. Essentially with a Googlebook all you're getting is a device built around Chrome, with the ability to install some (but not all, I'm sure) android apps.

 

[b4pjoe]

I work in education and for years we've given students Chromebooks and frankly everyone hates them- teachers, students, IT people, etc.

Pretty sure Google is not targeting school systems at $1,000 starting price point.

 

[Foxbat]

I work in education and for years we've given students Chromebooks and frankly everyone hates them- teachers, students, IT people, etc.

Interesting. I have recommended a Chromebook for my tech-adverse friends to keep my phone calls ("Hello, IT. Have you tried turning it off and back on again?") to a minimum. My one friend hasn't had an issue for years when before it was always some Windows problem or update that broke something.

The only issue I see isn't a unique Chromebook issue, it's the enforced obsolescence of the particular hardware with a drop-dead date. But that's no different from what Apple and Microsoft do with their OS End-of-Support and End-of-Life dates.

 

[cp2k]

Pretty sure Google is not targeting school systems at $1,000 starting price point.

You would be surprised. They often try to "upsell" these advanced Chromebooks as an alternative for administrator/teacher machines to gain more market share in districts that already use Chromebooks for students. Some districts actually have done that and made those moves. If they were buying high end laptops or Macbooks (pre Neo at least), it still saves $$.

Interesting. I have recommended a Chromebook for my tech-adverse friends to keep my phone calls ("Hello, IT. Have you tried turning it off and back on again?") to a minimum. My one friend hasn't had an issue for years when before it was always some Windows problem or update that broke something.

The only issue I see isn't a unique Chromebook issue, it's the enforced obsolescence of the particular hardware with a drop-dead date. But that's no different from what Apple and Microsoft do with their OS End-of-Support and End-of-Life dates.

Ultimately a Chromebook is just a very limited device running Google Chrome and "web app" versions of their various products. I agree for those who only need to do basic tasks they're fine, but when you get into state testing and Kiosk apps that require restarting the device just to access them the headaches multiply. Sometimes a device will fail to connect when it's been fine up until that point, and you will have to cycle it 5-6 times. With iPads you just tap on the app and it works right 99.99999999999% of the time. There also has been push back from colleges and businesses, who have complained that kids don't know how to use Windows or MacOS because they haven't been exposed to anything but Chromebooks their entire high school career.

 

[TRG]

Just get some flavor of Linux.

I agree.

 

[EarDemon]

For me personally, a Googlebook would not be my primary computing device, it would be a companion device.

There are a ton of reasons why I could never use one of these all the time. They are too dainty, the screen size is too small, the glossy screen, lack of ports, cramped keyboard, no num pad, probably impossible or near impossible to replace or upgrade internal components, what I'm guessing will be a lack of desktop-class applications I use. I maintain MS365 Business and Adobe CC subscriptions, those experiences would be hampered on a Googlebook at least right off the bat.

Other than to play around with, I have no interest in Linux. I would need Windows in some fashion or some virtualization voodoo to continue Midland and Uniden programming software, Escort and Uniden update software, There is still no audio media player application better than Winamp 5.x IMO and I have yet to find a RDP management app that fits my needs better than mRemoteNG.

 

[Foxbat]

Marques Brownlee has his take on the Googlebook announcement:

M

Thread 'WTF is a Googlebook?'

Oct 8, 2026

Time for another AWESOME video from Marques Brownlee!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0G4OG39XjI


Direct YouTube Link - WTF is a Googlebook?
The official MKBHD Website!
The MKBHD Store

• Marques Brownlee
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Marques Brownlee

 

[EarDemon]

Can't say I really give a hoot what these YouTube 'influencers' have to say. Most of the videos on Googlebooks I've watched are non-polished and from everyday people. The thoughts and reviews from real people are more mixed then doom and gloom, unlike the so called 'professionals'. The lack of desktop class applications seems to be the main thing, hopefully more developers and publishers jump on board.

It seems like the Qualcomm Googlebooks (Dell & HP) may have a slight advantage over the Intel ones (Acer, Asus & Lenovo) for running ARM based apps, I didn't understand the particulars at first glance and haven't had a chance to re-look it up.

I'll probably sit out gen 1, but I'll get either a gen2 HP one, or if Google releases their own, I'll get that instead.

 

[dishstaller]

For me personally, a Googlebook would not be my primary computing device, it would be a companion device.

That's how it works for me. I carry a Chromebook with me in my truck for programming modems, primarily for bootup speed and battery life. My daughter also prefers using one at the store. Of course I have a regular PC at the store as well.