Google has introduced a new class of laptops known as Googlebooks, and I have spent the last week working with an HP Googlebook 14 (compensated affiliate link) powered by a Snapdragon processor. This device is positioned for the premium segment of the market, placing it in direct competition with hardware like the MacBook Air or Dell XPS. While the form factor is familiar, the internal experience represents a shift from the traditional Chrome OS.
See how Googlebook OS works in my review video!
The foundation of the Googlebook is Android – the same OS that powers phones and tablets from Google and other makers. Unlike previous efforts where Android apps felt like a bolt-on, this environment is integrated from the ground up. In my time with the device, the interface felt like a proper desktop computer, avoiding the awkwardness of earlier Android-based laptops.
When browsing the Play Store, the best experience comes from apps optimized for the desktop, which allow for free-form window resizing rather than being locked into phone or tablet dimensions. It is worth noting, however, that the Android versions of productivity software like Excel are often less feature-rich than their full desktop counterparts on Windows or macOS.
Multimedia performance has seen some specific improvements. On older Chromebooks, the web browser was often the only way to get a high-quality streaming experience. On the Google Book, the Netflix Android app now supports high-definition video and offline downloads, resolving previous digital rights management issues that capped resolution at 480p.
The integration between the laptop and other Android hardware is one of the more prominent features. Using a Pixel 8a, I found that the laptop could recognize active browser tabs on the phone and allow me to resume that work instantly on the larger screen. There is also a system for casting apps directly from the phone to the laptop. This allows for updating data or checking mobile-only apps without having to pick up the physical phone. The file system also recognizes the connected phone as a storage location, facilitating easier file transfers.
Artificial intelligence via Google’s Gemini service is central to the experience. The device includes a year of Gemini AI Pro and five terabytes of cloud storage. One utility, called the magic pointer, allows the user to highlight information on the screen—such as a list of meetings in a PDF—and have the AI do something with that information like create calendar entries. Another tool, a dictation feature called the rambler, attempts to understand the context of speech. Rather than providing a literal transcript, it removes filler words and self-corrections to produce a clean draft. Some other AI features, such as a custom widget maker, proved less consistent in my testing, often providing links to websites rather than functional desktop widgets.
There are areas where the Googlebooks currently fall short of a traditional PC. Gaming is a primary concern; many popular titles like Fortnite or Call of Duty Mobile either do not install or refuse to run due to anti-cheat software not recognizing the device. This is a notable omission given the capable hardware found in both the ARM and Intel versions of these machines.
Power users may find the Linux implementation more restrictive than it was on Chrome OS. While I was able to install Linux GUI applications, they do not integrate into the main app menu and must be run inside the terminal window using a minimal interface.
For developers, the system includes an AI coding application called Anti Gravity. I used this tool to have the AI write and compile a functional RSS reader Android app entirely on the device. While this demonstrates a path for on-device development, the overall environment is still not as robust as the tools available on more established operating systems.
The Google Book succeeds in providing a natural, desktop-style interface for those already comfortable within the Google ecosystem. It offers a familiar environment with a minimal learning curve and serves as a capable upgrade for the standard Chromebook user. The value proposition ultimately depends on whether the user’s workflow fits within these limited parameters or requires the broader flexibility of a traditional laptop.