What does it feel like when you actually use it?

The Pixel Tablet has been out for a little over a year, and I’ve been using it more and more lately. This Android tablet/smart home display from Google was admittedly a bit lackluster when it first debuted, but now that it’s a device I reach for often, I’d like to share with you how I use the Pixel Tablet. Let’s talk about how expensive it is and whether it’s still worth it. year.

A quick refresher on hardware and specifications

First, here’s a quick overview of the hardware in case you need a quick refresher. The Pixel Tablet is a mid-range Android tablet that was originally sold with a speaker dock. This allows you to provide a Nest Hub-like experience while charging your tablet, so it’s always ready to use when you take it out of the dock. Use only tablets.

The build quality is solid and it feels very good in the hand. It’s light, easy to carry, and has the Google design aesthetic that I love. The bezels are a bit large, but are necessary to provide a place to grab the tablet. Although the screen is only 60Hz, it still looks great with plenty of brightness and punchy colors, and the display’s rounded corners are a nice touch that improves the user experience.

With 8 GB of RAM inside and options for 128 GB or 256 GB of storage paid for with a Tensor G2 processor, this device is very smooth to move around. Both the rear and front cameras are available, they’re not great, but they can be used if you need to scan a document or join a video call. The dock has a magnet that’s strong enough to hold your tablet, but not so strong that you can’t easily remove it from your tablet when you need it. Of course, the dock also has a built-in speaker, which I often use to play background music in my home office.

Clean Pixel Software Experience

On the software side, it offers a nice and clean Google version of Android. It also includes some additional features layered on top of the OS, such as a button on the home page for quick access to your smart home when docked, and the newly added Google Nest Doorbell. Now you can transfer the music playing on your Pixel phone to your Pixel tablet with a simple tap.

There were also rumors that the Pixel Tablet was stealing some features from the Nest Hub Max, like Look and Talk and Quick Gestures, but those haven’t materialized yet. But to be honest, for me the dock is just a convenient place to keep my tablet charged, a nice picture frame, and occasionally as a smart home controller.

Remove and use your Pixel Tablet from the dock

But what about when you undock it? Now, let me tell you, this is where the Pixel Tablet surprised me. I’ve discovered some important use cases for tablets that I never thought of when they first came out.

I also think Google recognizes the usefulness of just a tablet now that you can buy just the tablet without the dock. Again, the dock is great and adds some unique features to this tablet, but what’s it like just using the tablet?

I’ve found the Pixel Tablet to be a great device that I use around the house to read a few pages of a book and watch a YouTube video here and there, but I mainly use it for prioritizing emails. I’m using it. Before you go to your desk in the morning. It’s so nice to be able to pick up my tablet and do these tasks instead of pulling out my Chromebook. There’s also something nice about using a Pixel Tablet because it allows you to focus on one thing at a time. At my desk, with half a dozen windows open and a messaging app running next to it, it’s easy to get distracted. But with the Pixel Tablet, you can use split screen to silo into one or two apps and stay more focused on the task at hand.

But I love using the Pixel Tablet as a portable baby monitor. When I want to go outside or into the garage but don’t want to take my eyes off the camera, I whip out my Pixel tablet and take it with me. This way you can use your phone without taking your eyes off the camera. Of course, if you don’t have kids, you can still use your tablet as a portable security feed.

Be more productive with Pixel Tablet accessories

However, with some accessories, you can actually be quite productive with your Pixel Tablet. One of them is a stylus. Use the USI 2.0 pen to jot down notes, create sketches, and navigate your device. But the other thing is the keyboard case. Of course, you can also combine a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, like the new Logitech Keys To Go 2, to boost your productivity, but if you also want a case with a kickstand or a tablet stand, you’ll need to pack those accessories. . With you.

But a keyboard case offers all of that functionality in a folio-style form factor that makes it easy to throw in your bag or carry around. I’m using the eiP Magnetix case they sent me, and honestly, it’s been a game changer for my Pixel tablet. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’ve never taken my Pixel Tablet out of its case since I can remove it from the keyboard when I don’t need it. With a full backlit keyboard, shortcut row, and pen loop, this case has everything you need to get things done with your Pixel Tablet.

For the right person, I think a Pixel Tablet with a keyboard case could replace your laptop when you’re away from your desk, or even become your main device depending on your workload. I personally like to use full desktop to do certain tasks, but that’s just due to the type of work I do. If you’re the type of person who travels frequently, attends meetings, or doesn’t need a full desktop workstation, this case can also be a game-changer.

Pixel Tabet 1 year later: Is it still worth it?

So, all in all, what do I think about the Pixel Tablet in a year? Now, I’ll say this: I made a quick social media video for my EIP keyboard case the other day, and then I left it at the office. , I realized that I was really missing something in the house. It’s not perfect, but it has some very useful applications for me, and I really rely on it as my main smart display on my home office desk and as a tablet for actually doing work. I think this says a lot about the Pixel Tablet.