Back in May, Google surprised everyone with a game-changing announcement in the laptop industry. We're talking about Googlebooks, a new category of devices designed to surpass the traditional Chromebook concept. The proposal involved more than just a name change; it was a true internal revolution. The Mountain View company decided to unify the best of Android and ChromeOS under the umbrella of Gemini's AI . Everything pointed to the best being yet to come, and now it seems that moment is fast approaching.
Today's news is twofold. On the one hand, Google has set a specific date for opening pre-orders. On the other, leaks about the first major rival to this new platform have quickly surfaced. Specifically, we're talking about the Lenovo Googlebook 15, a device that aims to take on premium ultrabooks and the MacBook Air on their own turf . Meanwhile, manufacturers Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are already confirmed partners for the first wave. Expectations are sky-high, and the technical details are starting to emerge in great detail.
Reservations open on September 21: here's what we know
The official Googlebook website has been updated with a key date: pre-orders for the first models will open on September 21st. Google has informed its mailing list subscribers of this, specifying the exact start time: 9:00 AM Eastern Time. However, the company has not yet announced which specific models will be available that day or when shipping will begin. The first devices are expected to ship this fall, according to the company.
As for hardware partners, everything seems set for five major brands to be part of the initial launch. Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo have been confirmed as Google's first allies in this venture. Leaks suggest that the first devices will arrive with different configurations and prices , similar to what already happens with the Chromebook Plus range. Furthermore, the product website already allows users to select Spanish as the language, although initial sales will be restricted to the United States. It seems we'll have to wait a little longer to see these devices in European stores.
Lenovo Googlebook 15: the technical specifications that change everything
The most comprehensive leak to date comes from Mac Observer, which has published the official images and complete specifications of the Lenovo Googlebook 15. This device, identified as model GB 15IPH12, is a far cry from the budget-friendly profile associated with the most basic Chromebooks. The documentation confirms that the operating system will be called Googlebook OS , a name previously referred to internally as Project Aluminium. Lenovo, for its part, has opted for an aluminum chassis with a Cloud Grey finish, a departure from the typical plastic found on educational laptops.
But the most striking feature of the Lenovo Googlebook 15 isn't just its design. The 15,3-inch OLED touchscreen is one of its biggest selling points , boasting a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate that promises excellent fluidity. Add to that a peak brightness of 500 nits and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, figures that place it among the best laptops in its class. Inside, it features an Intel Core Ultra 5 325 processor, paired with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x memory and either 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage, depending on the chosen configuration.
Glowbar, Google key and biometrics: design as a hallmark
The aesthetics are also noteworthy. The top of the Lenovo Googlebook 15 features the Glowbar, a multicolored light strip that provides information about the battery and charging status of the device at a glance. This detail undoubtedly gives the device a distinctive look. Inside, the backlit keyboard includes a physical key with the Google logo, located between Fn and Alt. Although its exact functions haven't been specified yet, it seems likely to play a role similar to the Windows key or the Command key on Apple, probably providing direct access to Gemini functions.
Security has also received special attention. The Lenovo Googlebook 15 will feature a fingerprint reader and Google's own facial authentication system , according to leaked documentation. These are accompanied by a large 150 x 95 mm haptic glass touchscreen and a 5 MP RGB webcam with a physical shutter. Of course, there's also room for sound, with four speakers calibrated with Dolby Atmos technology promising a premium multimedia experience.
Next-generation connectivity and a question in the air
In terms of connectivity, the device lives up to expectations. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI 2.0 output, and the classic 3,5 mm audio jack . Wireless connectivity is also comprehensive, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The battery offers a 70 Wh capacity, and Lenovo promises up to 11 hours of battery life under indoor use. Weighing just 1,29 kilograms and measuring 15,9 millimeters thick, this is clearly a device designed for portability without compromising on performance.
The big question that remains is the price. Leaks from retailers suggest that the Lenovo Googlebook 15 could cost around €1.400 in its configuration with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, while the Acer Googlebook 14 has been seen for around €1.200 including VAT. Although these figures come from retail listings and not official data, they hint at the premium positioning that Google intends for its new product line. For now, neither Lenovo nor Google has confirmed the exact launch date or availability in markets outside the United States.
With the pre-order date marked on the calendar and the technical specifications of the first models now available, the Googlebook family is emerging as a serious contender in the premium segment . The native integration of Android with Gemini features, the ability to run applications without emulation, and the meticulous design of the initial devices point to a product poised to be a game-changer. Those eager to get their hands on one will have to wait until September 21st to secure a pre-order, though the real test will come when these laptops can be tested under real-world conditions and everyone can see them in action beyond the leaks.
