‘Rethinking the laptop is a big undertaking’ — why Googlebooks are so much more than overpriced Chromebooks, and why Apple should be worried

In recent months, the topic of Googlebooks has been a subject of intrigue and speculation within the tech industry. After Google's announcement in May, interest waned, and Googlebooks were notably absent from major tech events like Computex 2026. This lack of attention raised concerns about the potential future of Googlebooks, leading to increased interest when rumors of a launch began circulating. However, with limited information available, the true nature of Googlebooks remained unclear.

Recently, the revelation of pricing and hands-on experience with the five Googlebooks set to launch on October 5 has shed light on these devices. Contrary to expectations, Googlebooks are not budget laptop replacements for Chromebooks nor are they mid-range competitors to the MacBook Neo. Instead, they are premium thin and light laptops designed to rival the MacBook Air and Windows 11 Ultrabooks.

While the starting price of $899 / £999 (around AU$1,899) may seem steep, especially in a market where tech prices are rising, Googlebooks are positioned as high-end, flagship laptops. They offer a more ambitious design and feature set compared to Chromebooks, thanks to their $1,000+ price point. These devices boast stylish designs, premium features like OLED touch displays and haptic touchpads, and powerful components such as Intel Core Ultra processors and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips.

Additionally, Googlebooks come with ample RAM and storage options, and are powered by the new Googlebook OS, which combines the best aspects of Chrome OS and Android, offering a fully-fledged desktop experience that can run Android apps from the Google Play Store. With a promising 10-year software support plan, Googlebooks could be the last laptop many consumers need for an extended period, making their higher price more justifiable.