Googlebook laptops are on sale now from $899, but the Android-based platform has a rough start. Some complex apps may need tuning on Intel models (Google says 96.6 percent of its most-used apps work flawlessly), and Samsung phones cannot use the headline phone-linking features yet.

What works

All five models ship with haptic trackpads, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage and a Titan C security chip. Four of five have OLED touchscreens. Google includes one year of Google AI Pro, a $249.99 value.

The trackpad cursor is slow out of the box, but 9to5Google reports it is fixable in Settings under Touchpad cursor speed.

What does not work

9to5Google calls the app situation "a mess." Desktop-class apps like the Adobe suite are missing, and Linux integration is reduced, though 9to5Google reports the Debian terminal and Linux GUI apps remain available.

In 9to5Google's testing, the Slack web app could not be installed, Telegram's Android app did not send messages with the enter key, and Spotify, though labeled "Optimized for Desktop," kept a phone-style layout.

Samsung phones are not supported at launch for the core phone-linking features (see our earlier story). Google's support page sets Android 17 as the minimum, and Google said in a Reddit comment, which 9to5Google links, that Samsung support is rolling out over the coming weeks.

Intel-based models may struggle with some apps. 9to5Google, citing a statement from Google, reports Intel Googlebooks "might have trouble" with complex Android apps, and Chrome Unboxed says Google and Intel give different answers on whether Android apps will struggle.

What is being fixed

Techaeris reports a phone pairing fix is rolling out through Google Play Services for Android 17 Pixel owners, resolving a first-time setup timing bug.

The Samsung support gap is also being addressed. Google said in a Reddit comment linked by 9to5Google that the features will roll out across Android 17-supported Samsung devices over the coming weeks.

Prices

These are the "From" prices on Google's shop page as of Oct 9, 2026:

  • Acer Googlebook 14: From $899 (Intel Core Ultra 5)
  • Dell XPS Googlebook: From $999 (Snapdragon X Elite)
  • Lenovo Googlebook 15: From $1,099 (Intel Core Ultra 5)
  • ASUS Googlebook 14: From $1,299 (Intel Core Ultra 5)
  • HP Googlebook 14: From $1,299 (Snapdragon X Elite)

All models include one year of Google AI Pro and up to $290 in apps.

Why it matters

Googlebook is a new platform with real promise — Android phone integration, Gemini AI features and competitive hardware. But 9to5Google found missing desktop apps and rough Android ports, Samsung owners are left out at launch, and some apps may need tuning on Intel models. Buyers who rely on specific desktop apps should check support first. Samsung phone owners may want to wait until the rollout reaches their phones. Pixel owners with pairing trouble are told to give the fix a couple of days to arrive.

What is not confirmed

  • When the phone pairing fix will reach all compatible devices.
  • Whether Intel app performance will improve with a software update.
  • Full details of the Samsung support rollout timing.