Google's new Chromebook Pixel

[Arthur]

The Core i5 model with 8GB RAM costs £799 in the UK, while the i7 model with 16GB RAM is £999.

 

Source: Google (via Ars Technica)

 

Now, two years later, Google is back with a second Pixel. The outside is mostly the same, which is a good thing. The inside gets a big upgrade courtesy of new Intel Broadwell processors, also a good thing. And even though at $999 the price remains high relative to other Chromebooks, it's still $300 cheaper than the original. That is certainly a good thing.

 

http://a.pomf.se/enmobz.jpg

 

Dimensions

297.7mm x 224.55mm x 15.3mm

 

Weight

1.5 Kg

 

Screen

12.85" display with a web-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio

2560 x 1700, at 239 PPI

400 nit screen

178° extra-wide viewing angle

 

Processor

2.2GHz Intel Core i5 processor or 2.4GHz Intel Core i7 processor

 

Inputs

Multi-touch screen

Backlit Chrome keyboard

Fully clickable, etched-glass trackpad

 

Battery

Up to 12 hours of battery life

 

Ports & Connectors

2 x USB Type-C (up to 5 Gbps data, 4K display out with optional HDMI or DisplayPort adapter, 60W charging)

2 x USB 3.0 ports

SD Card

Headphone/Mic combo

 

Camera

720P HD Wide Angle camera with Blue Glass

 

Memory

8GB or 16GB

 

Storage

32GB or 64GB of Flash Storage

 

Wireless

802.11ac Wireless with support for A/B/G/N/AC, 2.4 and 5ghz, 2x2 spatial streams

Bluetooth 4.0 BR/EDR/LE Smart Ready controller

 

Audio

High Power Stereo Speakers, Dual Microphones, Headset jack,

Support for headset with microphone

 

Graphics

Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Integrated)

 

Video

Supports 4K video output over DisplayPort or HDMI with optional Type-C video adapter cable

 

Charger

Type-C USB Charger, new industry standard

Edited March 11, 2015 by Arthur

[Arthur]

The USB Type-C adapters for the new Pixel are much more reasonably priced compared to Apple's.

 

http://a.pomf.se/aqpgmv.png

[Ric_]

It's utterly ridiculous but I really want one (an i7 one at that). There's something about them that I like despite them being completely impractical for me at that price point. The case design is awesome and that screen....

 

If these were Windows laptops, I'd quite happily fork over another $300 without question.

[rich_tech]

USB-C seems offputting as its going to be a case of forking out for a whole range of new adapters to bridge the gap, same for USB sticks and so on when it becomes the adopted standard.

 

Those prices are not all that bad there for bleeding edge stuff.

[Arthur]

It's utterly ridiculous

Interestingly almost all of these new Pixels will be used by Google's own employees.

 

We will be selling it but I just have to set your expectations: this is a development platform. This is really a proof of concept. We don't make very many of these — we really don’t. And [...] our developers and our Googlers consume 85% of what we produce. (Source)

 

I really want one

Me too! It's great to finally have a Chromebook without any compromises as is the case with the cheaper models.

 

I reckon I could probably replace my main Windows PC for everything except gaming. If required, Crouton and Twerk could be used to run Linux and Android apps respectively.

 

USB-C seems offputting as its going to be a case of forking out for a whole range of new adapters to bridge the gap

It's worth it in the long run IMO.

 

A couple of benefits with USB-C on the Pixel is that the charger can be connected to either the left or right side of the Chromebook and a 15 minute charge will give you 2 hours of battery life.

[Arthur]

[hardtailstar]

I wanted a 1st gen Pixel but was bit too expensive,

 

This new one is tempting for the £800 mark.

 

I still have a windows computer so this will replace my windows laptop and Android tablet.