Foreign media tested five Googlebook laptops launched by Google's partner manufacturers. The initial impression is that hardware performance ranges from good to excellent, but the software experience of Googlebook OS has yet to catch up. This Android-based system aims to provide computer options for Android smartphone users, but currently still faces issues with mobile device interfaces and app compatibility.
When using keyboard, mouse, and window operations, some Android apps are not very user-friendly. One media outlet reported that sending messages via Signal requires special key combinations, dragging text may scroll the page instead, and windows cannot be moved between virtual desktops as expected. Another media outlet found during testing of streaming apps that many still launch in a tablet-style full-screen interface, with insufficient support for keyboard controls.
Linux virtual machines also have usage limitations. Testers installed Slack, GIMP, and Steam, but these apps did not appear in the system taskbar like regular apps. Switching input devices, transferring files, and copying content between the virtual machine and the Android environment were not smooth; games tested by the reviewers also failed to run smoothly.
Regarding phone connectivity, users can reply to notifications directly and transfer files via Quick Share, but connections sometimes drop, and browsing phone photos through the file app can be slow. These observations come from early experiences on specific devices; potential buyers should still evaluate based on their commonly used apps, peripheral operations, and phone connectivity needs.