Pixelbook
 Pixelbook | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Product family | Google Pixel |
| Type | Chromebook |
| Release date | October 30, 2017 |
| Operating system | ChromeOS |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-7Y57 or i7-7Y75 |
| Memory | 8 or 16 GB RAM |
| Storage | 128, 256 or 512 GB SSD |
| Display | 12.3 in (310 mm), 2,400 × 1,600 resolution |
| Connectivity |
|
| Dimensions | (W×L×H): 220.8 mm × 290.4 mm × 10.3 mm (8.69 in × 11.43 in × 0.41 in) |
| Weight | 1.11 kg (2.4 lb) |
| Predecessor | Chromebook Pixel |
| Successor | Pixelbook Go |
| Related | Google Pixel Slate |
| Website | store |
The Pixelbook (codenamed Eve during development) is a portable laptop/tablet hybrid computer developed by Google which runs ChromeOS. It was announced on October 4, 2017, and was released on October 30.[1] In September 2022, Google canceled future generations of the product and dissolved the team working on it.[2]
Unlike most typical Chromebook devices, the Pixelbook's retail price is much higher at around $1,000, comparable with laptops such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop.[3][4]
History
[edit | edit source]A rumored Pixel-branded Chromebook was anticipated to be launched at Google's annual fall hardware event in 2017 as a successor to the Chromebook Pixel;[5] it was potentially a spinoff from the prior year's Project Bison, which was anticipated to be a laptop that could convert into a tablet mode.[6] Google developed and launched a similar tablet with a detachable keyboard in 2018 (codenamed 'Nocturne') as the Pixel Slate.[7]
The Pixelbook was planned as the next generation of Google laptops after the Chromebook Pixel laptop was discontinued in 2016.[8] The company realised the Chromebook line had become successful after a slow start, obtaining a market share of 58% of schools in the US, and designed the Pixelbook as a serious industry player that can compete with Apple and Microsoft in this field.[9]
Limited details, the name, and preliminary pricing for the Pixelbook leaked ahead of the official announcement; in addition, a stylus accessory would also be available.[10] The Pixelbook was officially announced on October 4, 2017, at prices starting at US$999.[11]
The Pixelbook Go was announced in October 2019 as a Chromebook with similar performance to the Pixelbook and also equipped with a touchscreen, but the Go dropped tablet mode and stylus support. By September 19, 2020, Google had de-listed all models of the original Pixelbook from its online store, effectively marking its discontinuation.[12]
Features
[edit | edit source]The Pixelbook features a 12.3-inch (310 mm) touchscreen design, allowing the device to be used like a tablet. The device also features Google Assistant with a dedicated button. It runs ChromeOS and can launch Android applications natively.[13] There is a front-facing camera capable of recording video at 720p, 30 frames per second.[14] The hinge allows nearly a full 360° range of motion, enabling the computer to operate in "laptop", "tent", or "tablet" modes, depending on the opening angle.[15]
It features instant tethering; if a wifi signal is dropped, the Pixelbook will automatically connect to a suitable smartphone signal.[4] Either of the computer's two USB-C ports may be used for charging;[16] using the provided 45 W charger, charging takes up to two hours. The 41 W-hr battery has a claimed life of 10 hours.[14]
| Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics | Price (USD/GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5-7Y57 | 8 GB | 128 GB | Intel HD 615 | US$999 / £999 |
| 256 GB | US$1,199 / £1,199 | |||
| Core i7-7Y75 | 16 GB | 512 GB | US$1,699 / £1,699 |
The top-end version with a Core i7 processor was exclusive to the Google Store and availability lagged the other models; it was not available to order until December 2017, with first shipments in January 2018.[17]
Accessories
[edit | edit source]The device is compatible with Pixelbook Pen, a stylus designed for Pixelbook and sold separately for $99/£99.[18] The stylus is pressure- and angle-sensitive, and features latency of just 10 ms.[15] It is powered by a AAAA battery.[16]
Response
[edit | edit source]The Pixelbook had a mixed response from the press, who praised the build quality but questioned the market for the device given the price.
- A review by The Verge said "Just like the iPad Pro, the Pixelbook is an incredibly nice and powerful machine that can handle most of your computing tasks — but probably not all of them."[19]
- A review in The Guardian said "the king of Chromebooks is pricey but first rate."[20]
- A review in Engadget described it as "a premium Chromebook that's worth the price."[21]
- A review in Wired suggested that "I'm not sure anyone will buy one" in October 2017.[22]
- The Financial Times published a positive review of the new Pixelbook, saying there was more functionality offline than in prior models, among other fixed problems.[23]
References
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- ^ Google canceled its next Pixelbook and shut down the team building it, The Verge
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