After two previous attempts at laptops, Google’s third effort is now shipping. The first batch of Googlebooks are open for preorder, and every one of the five models runs a new operating system that combines Android, ChromeOS, and native Gemini AI into a single machine. Preorders begin at 21, with the first units set to ship on Oct. 4 in the U.S., starting from 9 a.m. ET.
These are premium AI laptops built to take on MacBooks head-to-head, and they are not budget Chromebooks. The Googlebooks are sleek machines, and they come with desktop-class specs. Every model ships with a minimum of 16GB of RAM, at least 14 hours of battery life, and dedicated NPU chips for local AI tasks. Each also includes a free 12-month offer for Google AI Pro.
Five brands make up the lineup: Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Asus. The models include the Acer Googlebook 14, Dell XPS Googlebook, HP Googlebook 14, Lenovo Googlebook 15, and Asus Googlebook 14. At launch, shipping is restricted to the U.S. only.
The Acer Googlebook 14
Among the initial lineup, Acer’s Googlebook 14 takes the price crown as the most budget-friendly pick. It is also the only genuine 2-in-1 device that can switch between laptop and tablet form. At $899, the gadget offers 360-degree freedom to flip between laptop, tent, and tablet modes.
Though the asking price is lower, the specifications remain strong. It carries a razor-sharp 2.8K OLED touch display, Intel’s brand-new Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake processor, and a premium aluminum-and-magnesium chassis weighing just 2.7 pounds. That combination makes it ideal for taking notes or using Android apps on a desktop.
Dell’s XPS Design
Googlebook OS was placed on Dell’s well-known XPS design, creating the Dell XPS Googlebook, a laptop built for carrying around. At a weight of only 2.5 pounds, it is exceedingly light.
The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip, which keeps everything running quickly. It comes with 512GB of starter storage and a 2.5K touch screen that’s sharp and responsive. Security is handled through a fingerprint scanner built into its metal body and face login, so there are two methods to keep the device locked down rather than just one.
HP’s All-Metal Workhorse
The HP Googlebook 14 is a solid, metal-built machine that finds a good balance between screen real estate and portability. Weighing in at 2.7 pounds and measuring 14mm thin, it carries a vivid 2.8K OLED touch screen that performs well in bright light.
The device runs on Qualcomm’s swift Snapdragon X1 Elite chip, which ensures smooth multitasking through everyday tasks and Android apps. A responsive haptic touchpad and a fingerprint reader for instant logins also come with it. Its battery life is built to last through a full workday.
Lenovo’s Larger Screen
The Googlebook 15, made by Lenovo, is meant for anyone wanting more desk space without toting a heavy machine. It comes with a generous 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen and deep Dolby Atmos sound. That pairing makes it suited to working across two screens at once, enjoying streams, and creative work.
The device weighs less than 2.7 pounds thanks to its high-tech carbon-fiber and magnesium frame, even with the extra screen room. Intel’s Panther Lake chip manages demanding daily workloads without trouble. The double biometric security system — a fingerprint reader paired with face unlock — keeps your data locked down tight.
Asus’s Lightest Build
The Asus Googlebook 14 is the lightest option in the entire lineup, weighing just 2.2 pounds. It is wrapped in a sturdy metal chassis and features the highest-resolution display in the group: a crisp 3K OLED touch screen that makes text razor-sharp and video colors pop.
The new Panther Lake processor from Intel keeps everything running fast, while a smooth haptic touchpad and a built-in fingerprint scanner make everyday navigation and security effortless.
What the Googlebooks Actually Are
The operating system binding all five laptops together is Googlebook OS. It fuses the best of Android, ChromeOS, and native Gemini AI into one powerful package. That is the central promise of the line.
Local AI processing is handled by NPU chips, which means AI tasks take place on the device rather than over the cloud. Every purchase comes with a 12-month free offer for Google AI Pro.
What This Means for Buyers
The Googlebooks offer a genuine third option in the never-ending “Mac vs. PC” debate. They are not low-cost Chromebooks, which are designed to be light and affordable. Instead, these are premium laptops with desktop-class specs, OLED displays, and local AI processing power.
The price point also matters. At $899 for the Acer model, the entry point is lower than many other premium laptops. The Dell XPS model at 2.5 pounds is a light machine for travel. The Lenovo model at 15.3 inches gives you a larger workspace. The Asus model at 2.2 pounds is the lightest overall.
Across the entire range, the minimum battery life sits at 14 hours, and that figure holds steady no matter which brand is selected. The RAM minimum is set at 16GB, which applies to every model in the lineup. Both of these specs are consistent across the board, regardless of the brand.
The Googlebooks by the Numbers
- Acer Googlebook 14 — $899, 2.8K OLED, Intel Core Ultra 3, 2.7 pounds, 360-degree convertible
- Dell XPS Googlebook — Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, 512GB storage, 2.5 pounds, face login + fingerprint
- HP Googlebook 14 — Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 Elite, 2.7 pounds, 14mm thin, fingerprint reader
- Lenovo Googlebook 15 — Intel Panther Lake, 15.3-inch screen, Dolby Atmos, under 2.7 pounds, face + fingerprint
- Asus Googlebook 14 — Intel Panther Lake, 3K OLED, 2.2 pounds, lightest in the lineup
The Acer model stands out as the most budget-friendly choice and the only genuine 2-in-1 convertible option. The Dell model is the lightest of the lot. The HP model is a sturdy all-metal workhorse. The Lenovo model boasts the largest display and Dolby Atmos audio. The Asus model takes the lightest crown across the five.
After preorders open from Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. ET, the Googlebooks are set to ship in the U.S. on Oct. 4. Should you be prepared to abandon Windows and macOS for deep Gemini AI, securing a pre-order today is the best course of action.
Source material: “The first Googlebooks are available for preorder: Where to buy new HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus models,” Mashable.
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