Google's Pixel Slate is now available for pre-order

Source: Google

When the Pixel Slate was announced alongside the Pixel 3 and Home Hub, one thing that was conspicuously missing was any reference to availability or release date. Reports at the time, as well as lately, suggested that it was waiting approval from the powers-that-be, but it appears that approval has been granted. The Pixel Slate is now available for pre-order via Google and Best Buy.

At the Google store, base models will start at $599 which includes 4 GB of RAM, a Celeron processor, and 32 GB of storage; if you want the fully specced-out version with 16 GB of RAM, an 8th Gen i7, and 256 GB of storage, you will have to shell out $1599. Best Buy appears to be ditching the bottom SKU meaning the least pricy option available will be $799, but this will give you an m3 processor and 64 GB of storage.

Source: Best Buy

If you have been waiting for the Pixel Slate, the time has finally come. If you need a refresher on the Pixel Slate, it comes with a 12.3" "Molecular Display", USB-C charging, redesigned ChromeOS, front/rear cameras, a fingerprint scanner and built-in Play Services. Additionally, the full-power of Google's category leading Assistant is baked into the device.

As far as ChromeOS tablets go, this is certainly the standard-bearer, and it is positioned to be Google's attempt to take on the Surface and iPad. Important to remember, like its long-established competitors, the stylus (Pixelbook Pen) and keyboard (Pixel Slate Keyboard) are not included so those will set you back an additional $99 and $199, respectively.