Acer Googlebook 14 review: Android’s attempt to take over the desktop

The Googlebook is a new laptop from Google, partnering with hardware manufacturers like Acer, HP, Lenovo, Dell XPS, and Asus. It combines the general concept of the Chromebook with a bit more Android, allowing users to run Android apps as if they were normal desktop programs, taking advantage of the vast software ecosystem that has developed around Android phones and tablets.

The hardware, in this case from Acer, appears solid and offers various specifications and price points. However, many apps may require updates before they can run perfectly on the device, and some mobile photo and video apps fall short of their desktop versions.

Despite its price of $899 / £899, which is higher than typical Chromebooks, the Acer Googlebook remains a surprisingly capable machine. It features an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing ample power for everyday tasks. The laptop's 14-inch OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a responsive and immersive viewing experience.

It connects via Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio port, and supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The device can be folded back into a tablet-like form factor, making it a versatile two-in-one device.

While the software is generally solid, with a stable operating system and a well-stocked app store, the performance can be limited by the availability of high-quality Android apps. Some popular software like Adobe's Lightroom and Photoshop, as well as photo and video editing tools, may not offer the same feature set as their desktop counterparts, making them less than ideal for professional use.

Nevertheless, the Googlebook's performance is decent, particularly given its lightweight operating system and the efficient Core Ultra chip. With up to 12 hours of battery life, it's well-suited for users who need a portable machine for general use and multimedia consumption.