Google Pixel Slate Can this tablet do the job?
You could plausibly use the Slate as a work device… but why bother?
What is the actual point of tablet computers? The main function of mine is as a useful white flag of surrender for me, when my children really have removed my will to live.
When the tablet comes down from the shelf, they know I’ve caved in and will do anything for silence.
But with tablet sales stalling (I haven’t updated mine in five years), many tech companies are producing expensive new gizmos they hope can replace laptops for mobile working.
Google’s Pixel Slate is at least reasonable value when compared to Apple’s latest ‘Pro’ iPad, which retails at up to €2,283. Yes, really.
But at €627 and up, plus €216 for the not-really-optional click-on keyboard, it’s not cheap either.
It’s a desirable device, of course, with neat tech tricks such as a fingerprint scanner built into the rim and a big 12.3in ‘molecular display’ that is sharp and gorgeous to look at. Even the keyboard is good.
It’s a Chromebook – a simplified operating system that lets you run the full version of the Chrome internet browser, plus Android apps.
You could plausibly use this as a work device. I tried for a morning and didn’t throw it out of the window, which is a start.
The problem is that plenty of Chromebooks cost €285 (or less), and if I am spending this much cash on a device, I want a proper laptop. I may well be showing my age here but when it comes to actual, paying work, boring old Windows still trumps anything Apple and Google can dream up.
DIDN’T THROW IT OUT THE WINDOW… BUT LAPTOPS RULE FOR WORK