To me, the most interesting part about Jason Howell 's Pixel C review (and for that matter, Leo ...

[G+_Raymond Johnson]

To me, the most interesting part about Jason Howell's Pixel C review (and for that matter, Leo Laporte's review on Before You Buy) is that I can't remember anyone saying anything like:

 

"Google has released an update to its Nexus 9 tablet, this time designed by the Pixel team. It's only $20 more than the Nexus 9 for the 32 GB model, and Google is offering two optional keyboards for those who want more productivity out of their tablet."

 

In other words, I'm surprised how much the Pixel C's keyboard has somehow distracted reviewers from seeing the Pixel C as primarily a high-end Android tablet. Instead, the keyboard changes everyone's expectations and the (obvious?) Nexus 9 comparison is somehow no longer obvious. Really, a simple statement like, "If you're thinking about buying a Nexus 9, spend the extra $20 for a Pixel C" would have made so much sense in these reviews.

[G+_Gary Volk]

I was curious to know how it stands as JUST a tablet as well. Forget the keyboard, if I wanted to buy the best tablet, is this the one?

[G+_George Byers]

The Nexus 9 didn't exactly get rave reviews when it came out either.

[G+_Raymond Johnson]

George Byers I remember that, and some of the Nexus 9 negatives were related to build quality. I haven't heard similar complaints about the Pixel C.

[G+_Robert Boschman]

In defense of the reviewers, by dropping GPS and NFC from the Pixel C Google does signal that they are positioning it more as a laptop replacement device. The Nexus 9 with GPS and LTE seems to cater to a different market I think.

[G+_Richard Cohen]

Wait, the Pixel C doesn't have GPS or NFC? In nearly-2016? Is that just a "weak signals, metal body" thing?

[G+_Jason Colby]

Richard Cohen Actually it sounds like evidence for Ron Amadeo? 's "it was never supposed to be an Android device in the first place, but Chrome wasn't ready and so they slapped Android in it and shipped anyway" idea.

[G+_Gary Volk]

PC mag reviewed this and pretty much say it's bad either as a tablet or a productivity device.

[G+_Bret Ancowitz]

There was a great discussion on reddit about this. I was making your argument, but others (including some who are at or watched the Pixel C launch event) were pointing out that Google's own people were pushing the productivity angle hard. So in a way, it's hard to blame the media 100%.

[G+_Jason Howell (raygun01)]

Very good point that the price sits slightly above the Nexus 9. That's a direct comparison that I know at least I failed to point out. But you have to admit that Google itself is positioning this as not really "just a tablet" but a convertible tablet. So I understand reviews focusing on that aspect cause its the thing that really differentiates this from other devices. I do recall saying that my experience with the tablet itself was pretty positive, and that, as a tablet, it's a strong choice with a great design, super snappy performance, all that stuff. But yeah, the conversation will almost always come back to the keyboard integration cause that is what Google intended for this device from day one. Unfortunately, it just isn't as strong in that capacity. My 2 cents anyway.

[G+_Raymond Johnson]

Jason Howell Thanks, Jason, and I should have added a sentence or two to my original post about Google's positioning of the Pixel C. As an owner of the original Asus Transformer TF101 tablet/keyboard combo, I've seen how the Android productivity space has always been a bit awkward. It's as if none of us (including Google) quite know what to do or expect from such devices, and why I think there could be an appeal for both Google and reviewers of the Pixel C to make more direct comparisons to other tablets like the Nexus 9.

 

Then again, maybe this is all just a further indication of how the tablet space has gotten tough -- both to sell and to review. Our focus turns to styli/styluses and keyboards because the tablets themselves don't do much for consumers that our phones, a cheap tablet, or an older tablet already does. (Happy 2013 Nexus 7 owner here!)

[G+_Raymond Johnson]

Just for fun, here's another way to look at this:

 

Pixel C: $500

Pixel C Keyboard: $150

Total: $650

 

But if you really want to multi-task in Android, and have the option of Chrome OS:

 

2 Nvidia Shield K-1 tablets: $400

Logitech Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard: $30

Pushbullet Pro for universal copy-and-paste: $40 (a year)

Lenovo 100s 11.6-inch Chromebook: $166.00

Total: $636

 

With the money left over you can buy $14 worth of magnets.

[G+_Bret Ancowitz]

Raymond Johnson Wow, the Nvidia Shield K1 is only $200... I forgot that.  That's a screaming deal for someone looking for a great Android tablet...

[G+_Raymond Johnson]

Bret Ancowitz For those of us who might want to replace our Nexus 7s for something with higher performance they do seem like a pretty great choice.