Google is stepping boldly into the desktop arena with the launch of its new Googlebook OS, and Lenovo is leading the charge with the impressive Googlebook 15. After a chaotic first glimpse at the company’s New York City showcase, reviewers finally have the hardware on their desks to see how it performs outside of a presentation. The standout feature immediately upon unboxing is the build quality, which utilizes a magnesium and aluminum chassis reinforced with carbon fiber. This combination results in a buttery smooth texture that resists fingerprints while keeping the overall weight under three pounds despite its large footprint.
The technical specifications suggest a machine built for power users rather than casual browsing. It boasts an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a stunning 15.3 inch 3K OLED touchscreen that refreshes at 120Hz. Beyond the raw power, Lenovo focused heavily on user interaction, including a high end glass haptic trackpad and dual biometric security options via an infrared face unlock sensor and a traditional fingerprint scanner. Connectivity remains robust as well, featuring Wi-Fi 7 support and a versatile array of ports including Thunderbolt and full size HDMI.
However, the real story lies in the synergy between this new laptop and the Android ecosystem through a suite of features called Better Together. Initial tests show near seamless continuity between the computer and Pixel smartphones, allowing users to browse their phone’s files directly within the laptop’s file manager without needing third party transfers. Users can also jump instantly from a document edited on mobile to their desktop or stream specific Android apps onto the larger screen for multitasking efficiency. While it will take several weeks to fully vet this entirely new operating system, early impressions suggest a highly integrated future for Google users.