In September, Google unveiled its latest offering, the ‘Googlebook,’ designed as a premium laptop alternative to its budget-friendly Chromebooks. This new line is not intended to replace Chromebooks but rather to complement them, and it has garnered attention due to collaborations with notable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Unlike the Chromebook, which is produced by Google, the Googlebook is exclusively developed by these OEM partners.
Among the new devices, the ASUS Googlebook 14 stands out, especially for those who have a penchant for lightweight laptops. Priced at ,299, it piques interest, particularly for fans of ASUS’s Zenbook series. The Googlebook 14 boasts a sleek design and a chassis made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy, which, while not identical to the Ceraluminum used in Zenbooks, shares a similar aesthetic appeal. Weighing in at approximately 0.97 kg (2.13 lbs), it is a testament to the trend of creating ultra-light laptops.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-asus-googlebook-14-what-i-like”>ASUS Googlebook 14: What I like
The display is another highlight; the 14-inch OLED panel offers a 16:10 aspect ratio, with a brightness of up to 450 nits and full coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This makes it an excellent choice for creative professionals. The keyboard features a comfortable 1.5mm key travel, while the 6-inch haptic touchpad delivers an impressive user experience, allowing for seamless navigation.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-asus-googlebook-14-what-i-don-t-like”>ASUS Googlebook 14: What I don’t like
However, the Googlebook experience is not without its quirks. As a Windows user, I encountered several usability challenges that stem from my ingrained habits. For instance, the Caps Lock key activates a context menu instead of simply capitalizing letters, requiring an additional key combination to achieve the desired effect. The absence of a dedicated delete key also complicates basic tasks, necessitating the use of a function key instead.
Moreover, the Googlebook’s app compatibility raises concerns. While Google provides access to applications via the Play Store, the experience can be inconsistent. For example, Slack, a widely used communication tool, is categorized as ‘Better on the website,’ leading to a subpar experience compared to its desktop counterpart. Other applications, like Microsoft Edge, have caused performance issues, prompting the need for a restart to regain functionality.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-asus-googlebook-14-what-happens-next”>ASUS Googlebook 14: What happens next?
Despite these initial hurdles, the Googlebook’s potential remains to be fully explored. With features like ‘Cast my apps’ and integration with devices such as the Pixel 7 Pro, there is room for improvement as I continue to test its capabilities. While the hardware impresses, the software experience leaves much to be desired. As updates roll out, they may address some of the current limitations, but the question remains: will this platform resonate with a broader audience beyond developers and tech enthusiasts?
