Googlebooks hit stores from $899; first reviews call the OS half-baked

By the GetNews desk · Edited by Sam Calder

Google's Android laptops went on sale Oct 4. The Verge says the phone links work well, but the software still feels unfinished.

$899cheapest Googlebook

Hype check

Hype7

Real5

As advertised

The noise matches the real change.

Our editorial opinion, based on the sources below. How we score

Your call: hype or real?

Real = it will matter in daily use. Hype = louder than it is. One vote, and it can’t be changed.

Our view and readers’ views are opinions, not statements of fact about a product.

Why it matters

Googlebook is Google's Android-based laptop platform and a rival to Chromebooks and Windows. Early testing shows good phone features and rough edges.

For most people

Watch: it shows Google's plan to replace Chromebooks with Android.

Preorders opened Sept 21 for five models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo, starting at $899.
US sales began Oct 4; Canada, the UK and other regions followed Oct 5.
Acer, ASUS and Lenovo models use Intel chips. Dell and HP use Qualcomm Snapdragon, per The Verge.
Google admits a small handful of complex apps and games need developer tuning on Intel models.
The Verge found Continue On works mostly with Google Docs and Sheets, and casted apps can look pixelated.

WaitWait for full reviews unless you want an Android-phone-first laptop.

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