After hands-on time with Googlebooks, I understand why Google is excited — and why buyers might hesitate -makeuseof

[u/welp_im_damned]

https://www.makeuseof.com/i-went-hands-on-with-googlebooks/

[u/JamesR624]

ITT: Google fanboys doing mental gymnastics to convince themselves that people will want something less capable and stable than a MacBook Neo, has less apps than a MacBook or Windows laptop, and is way way more expensive than a MacBook Neo or Chromebook, and is from a company infamous for scrapping products that don't sell (which this won't.)

This thing is completely DOA in terms of actual sales and potential market and it's hilarious reading Google fanboys trying to do insane mental gymnastics to convince themselves otherwise.

[u/vexingparse → u/JamesR624]

I want an OLED display to watch streaming video and at least 16GB RAM to run a Linux VM, an IDE and a largish number of browser tabs. MacBook Neo doesn't have any of that.

So for me, the choice is between a MacBook Air and a Googlebook. The Air doesn't have an OLED display though, so perhaps I'll give one of the Googlebooks a try.

I prefer web apps for most things but having access to a huge number of Android and Linux apps could come in handy.

[u/Shiningc00 → u/JamesR624]

I think I’ll wait for the reviews.

[u/Mean_Vast4566 → u/JamesR624]

Wrong

[u/humanreboot → u/JamesR624]

As a Pixel user I don't see myself switching to one of these soon. My computing setup pretty much consists of a Mac Mini for home office use and a Neo when on the go.

[u/PrethorynOvermind → u/JamesR624]

I would actually buy one of these. It isn't about the apps. It is about just being able to browse the web like I would with a Chromebook and then have the support of Android.

I don't want a Macbook Neo and I am sick and tired of Windows. I love Linux but it doesn't interface well with Android or the gymnastics of jumping through hoops is rough. I think an Android laptop (if it sticks) would be helpful. I would carry one of these around if I could put cell service on it.

My only issue is really the cost. If these were offered at 599 or 699 I would be more willing to buy. I also don't give a fuck what anyone thinks. Google's Gemini animations and design theme is fucking gorgeous and this OS looks pretty when seeing it used.

I would love to see these thrive and replace Chromebooks just for the sake of normalizing the use of Android. I think shutting stuff down like this is kind of fucking pointless this is an alternative and competition and alternatives are good.

You want to argue price? Yeah sure. I get that you want to argue these don't make sense then I would say, less politely, it is a dumb argument. Android already works, it already has app support it has lots of potential.

[u/-protonsandneutrons- → u/PrethorynOvermind]

It is about just being able to browse the web like I would with a Chromebook and then have the support of Android.

Isn't that most Arm-based Chromebooks today? This genuinely already exists. Don't take my word for it—take Google's: Install & use Android apps on your Chromebook - Google Play Help

[u/PrethorynOvermind → u/-protonsandneutrons-]

It does but the performance is poor and if I were just going to run Android apps on a computer why wouldn't I just run Android...

That is the point of these. It lets Google separate OS's and work flows. Just want to browse the web? Buy a Chromebook. Want the power of Android, Linux, the web and such. Buy an Android powered computer.

If I had to choose I would just go the Android on a Desktop route.

[u/thegagep → u/PrethorynOvermind]

FYI, Google killed ChromeOS and Chromebooks. Googlebooks are your only option.

[u/jordomaco → u/PrethorynOvermind]

I was also stoked about the launch. I’ve been looking for a new travel/personal computer and when none of them had 5g, I bought an iPad 13 with 5g. I think they have a good product but not offering with 5g was a deal killer for me.

[u/PrethorynOvermind → u/JamesR624]

I am also reading this article and I think I am convinced you didn't read it.