What's the rationale for Google getting in on the hardware business anyway? Are they so concerned that Apple will dominate the metal that the web is viewed under that they have to take matters into their own hands? It seems a bit extreme.
Why so? Google depends entirely on the web, it makes sense. Also depending on a third party/competitor for accessing your very business is a very bad thing, especially when this competitor is Apple. It's better to depend on as few parties as possible.