Google is now selling its new Googlebook laptop for pre-order at $899.
The device arrived in May, but availability began on Monday. It is priced to compete with standard laptops rather than traditional Chromebooks. The machine runs Android OS with a desktop version of the Chrome browser and other ChromeOS elements.
The main selling point is the integration of Gemini. Google wants to move users away from installing desktop apps or accessing tools through a web browser. Instead, the company is betting that AI will be the primary reason to buy a new computer.
How the hardware works
Google is trying to change the point-and-click experience of desktop computing. The cursor acts as a direct link to Gemini. Users can highlight text on a webpage for the AI to process. The system can also scan emails for security threats or combine selected images into a visual summary.
Google calls the pointer feature Magic Cursor. This is similar to Android’s Circle to Search, which lets users circle items on a phone to find information. While that feature is clever, it did not cause a mass shift to Android phones.
Similarly, Magic Cursor is unlikely to be the main reason to buy the Googlebook. Current AI agents can already take control of a computer or browser to perform tasks without needing a specific mouse cursor.
The Rambler feature may be more useful. It cleans up messy, rambling voice notes into readable text. However, this is a nice-to-have addition rather than a necessity for most buyers.
Vibe-coded widgets are a minor addition. Other features like Gemini Spark and Gemini Live do not require this specific new hardware. Users can access them on existing devices.
Targeting schools
The launch seems part of a longer plan to capture the K-12 market. Currently, about 50 million Chromebooks are used by students and educators. Google wants to move these users toward its Gemini AI platform.
In May, the company stated that current Chromebooks would remain supported. Many of these devices will eventually be eligible to transition to the new Googlebook experience.
Price and hardware
The $899 model includes 12 months of Google AI Pro. This subscription offers 5TB of cloud storage, Gemini Advanced tools, three months of YouTube Premium, and Adobe Photoshop. Google promises regular updates for up to 10 years.
Pre-orders are open on the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers. The devices will reach shelves on October 4 in the U.S. and October 5 in Canada, the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia.
Flagship models are built by Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Lenovo. Materials include aluminum, magnesium alloy and carbon fiber. Screens go up to 2.8K OLED. Trackpads use haptic glass and keyboards are backlit.
Processors come from Intel and Qualcomm, paired with dedicated NPUs. Google says the battery life will reach up to 14 hours.
What it means
Buying a new laptop for AI is a significant financial commitment. The Googlebook adds features that are not essential for basic work or study. The real test is whether users will upgrade their machines just to access Gemini more deeply, or if they will wait for software that runs on current hardware.
