Google’s Latest Chromebook Pixel, Still Pricey but a Good Platform


GoogleChromebookPixel2Chromebooks are so popular, and for a variety of reasons. Google's Chromebook, in particular, holds a great place in the market for students, schools, and businesses because of how low its price is. The Web-focused laptop, for about $250, isn't for everyone though. It isn't exactly beautiful when it comes to screen resolution, and it tends to have a very plasticky feeling (Wall Street Journal). Chromebook Pixels on the other hand, tend to be higher premium, pricier laptops. Although it has been two whole years since Google has announced a new Chromebook Pixel, wait no longer. This flagship is a better version of the already great Pixel; and with its lighter build, big CPU, and cheaper price, it's probably Google's best Chromebook to date. Well, of course it is.

The look and feel of the new Chromebook Pixel holds the least difference. It's still squared-off and conservative looking, and weighs and measures about the same (3.3 pounds, with a 3:2 touchscreen ratio). It also held up its rock-solid aluminum chassis, while redesigning the hinge so there is zero wobble when touching the screen (Ars Technica). Speaking of, the 12.85-inch Pixel has a 2560 x 1700 touchscreen display, with an increased sRGB color gamut, and better touchscreen responsiveness (The Verge).

GoogleChromebookPixel2-1According to PC World, one of the biggest changes is under the hood. The CPU featured in the new Chromebook Pixel is Intel's new Broadwell processor, which offesr better performance as well as battery life. Compared to the last Pixel, which only ran about 5 hours before croaking, the new model will run for 12 hours, according to Google.

Two options are available, one running Intel's i5 CPU, with 8GB of RAM, and 32GB of SSD. The other, running Intel's i7 GPU, with 16GB of RAM, and 64GB of SSD. Like the new 12-inch MacBook, the Pixel features the new USB Type-C connector, two of em actually, which allow all your devices, external displays and power options to be consolidated into one easy plug-in. There's also an SD card slot and an audio jack.

GoogleChromebookPixel2-2So, as far as price goes, it runs for $999 for the base model. Yep, pretty pricey. But, at least that's about $300 less than the first Google Chromebook Pixel, and, a bit cheaper than its $1,299 MacBook rival. There's not really too much to say about the odds and ends of the new Pixel and whether it's the best Chromebook on the market. That's probably not really what Google was going for. Instead, its meant as a developmental platform, “one that will eventually make all other Chromebooks better”, says The Verge. It's also a good laptop for anyone who can afford it, with enough battery and speed improvements to justify the purchase.

Topics: Technology News Apple Laptops & Ultrathin Ultrabooks Tech Reviews

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