Chromebook Pixel Review

Google’s Chromebooks are computers stuck between two worlds - the desktop and tablet worlds. That’s because Chromebooks have the look and capability of a computer, but have the limited functionality of a tablet OS.

Originally, Chromebooks were made by Samsung and Acer with Google providing the OS, but not this time. The Pixel Chromebook was designed and manufactured by Google itself. It features an anodized aluminum body, with a dark grayish color. It definitely feels pricey and elegant.

The laptop measures 0.62 inches thick, which is rather cumbersome for a laptop with non - demanding software. Thankfully, it weighs just 3.35 pounds, making it very easy to carry around.

Google has taken a slightly different path with the screen. Its aspect ratio is 3:2, measuring 12.85 - inches diagonally. It looks refreshing, since it looks almost like a square.

Aside from that, it has a wonderful HD resolution, with 2560 x 1600 pixels. Everything looks incredibly sharp, compared to high - end monitors on tablets and other competing laptops.

The odd thing about this laptop is that the hardware used is too powerful for the software.

It features an Intel dual - core i5 Ivy Bridge processor. It’s certainly better than the ARM chips used in past Chromebooks, but who needs all that power anyway? In the end, it’s still nice to have, although somewhat impractical. It doesn’t have a graphics card, so you’re bound to Intel’s HD Graphics 4000.

For memory, you’ll get 4 GB which is more than enough, since the software is very light on the system. In terms of storage, you only get 32 and 64 GB. While this may look small, it makes sense, because Chromebook users are presumed to rely on cloud services for the majority of their files.

The standard Chromebook Pixel costs $1,299, making the LTE version $1,449. Also, it’s nice to note that the keyboard on this laptop is nicely designed. The corners of the keys are sharp, in line with the laptop’s overall design. Given the price, it’s no surprise it’s also backlit.