Engineering:Google Pixelbook
![]() Google Pixelbook | |
Manufacturer | |
---|---|
Product family | Google Pixel |
Type | Chromebook |
Release date | October 30, 2017 |
Operating system | Chrome OS |
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) |
Mass | 1.11 kg (2.4 lb) |
Predecessor | Chromebook Pixel |
Successor | Pixelbook Go |
Related articles | Google Pixel Slate |
Website | store |
The Google Pixelbook (codenamed Eve during development) is a portable laptop/tablet hybrid computer developed by Google which runs Chrome OS. It was announced on October 4, 2017 and was released on October 30.[1]
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.[2][3]
History
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;[4] 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.[5] Google developed and launched a similar tablet with a detachable keyboard in 2018 (codenamed 'Nocturne') as the Pixel Slate.[6]
The Pixelbook was planned as the next generation of Google laptops after the Chromebook Pixel laptop was discontinued in 2016.[7] 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.[8]
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.[9] The Pixelbook was officially announced on October 4, 2017, at prices starting at US$999.[10]
The Pixelbook Go was announced in October 2019 as a Chromebook with similar performance as 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.[11]
Features
The Google 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 Chrome OS and can launch Android applications natively.[12] There is a front-facing camera capable of recording video at 720p, 30 frames per second.[13] 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.[14]
It features instant tethering; if a wifi signal is dropped, the Pixelbook will automatically connect to a suitable smartphone signal.[3] Either of the computer's two USB-C ports may be used for charging;[15] using the provided 45 W charger, charging takes up to two hours. The 41 W-hr battery has a claimed life of 10 hours.[13]
Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics | Price (USD/GBP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Core i5-7Y57 | 8 GB | 128 GB | Intel HD 615 | US$999 / GB£999 |
256 GB | US$1,199 / GB£1,199 | |||
Core i7-7Y75 | 16 GB | 512 GB | US$1,699 / GB£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.[16]
Accessories
The device is compatible with Pixelbook Pen, a stylus designed for Pixelbook and sold separately for $99/£99.[17] The stylus is pressure- and angle-sensitive, and features latency of just 10 ms.[14] It is powered by a AAAA battery.[15]
Response
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."[18]
- A review in The Guardian said "the king of Chromebooks is pricey but first rate."[19]
- A review in Engadget described it as "a premium Chromebook that's worth the price."[20]
- A review in Wired suggested that "I'm not sure anyone will buy one" in October 2017.[21]
- 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.[22]
References
- ↑ Hardawar, Devindra. "Google’s Pixelbook is a 2-in-1 premium Chromebook". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/04/google-pixelbook-chromebook/.
- ↑ "Google Pixelbook, Laptop with Google Assistant". Google. https://store.google.com/product/google_pixelbook.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Google launches Pixelbook – the most expensive Chromebook yet". Which. October 12, 2017. https://www.which.co.uk/news/2017/10/google-launches-pixelbook-the-most-expensive-chromebook-yet/.
- ↑ Ruddock, David (August 21, 2017). "Exclusive: Google plans to launch a new Chromebook Pixel, mini version of Google Home alongside new phones". Android Police. https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/08/21/exclusive-google-plans-to-launch-a-new-chromebook-pixel-mini-version-of-google-home-alongside-new-phones/.
- ↑ Ruddock, David (September 26, 2016). "Exclusive: Google is planning a 'Pixel 3' laptop running the 'Andromeda' OS for release in Q3 2017". Android Police. https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/09/26/exclusive-google-is-planning-a-pixel-3-laptop-running-the-andromeda-os-for-release-in-q3-2017/.
- ↑ Bradshaw, Kyle (September 5, 2018). "[Update: Pixel Slate name, renders Everything we know about 'Nocturne', the first of a few potential 'Pixelbook 2' prototypes"]. 9 to 5 Google. https://9to5google.com/2018/09/27/nocturne-pixelbook-2-made-by-google-explained/.
- ↑ "Google discontinues the Chromebook Pixel 2 | VentureBeat" (in en-US). https://venturebeat.com/2016/08/29/chromebook-pixel-2-discontinued/.
- ↑ "Google Pixelbook review: the Chromebook grows up". TechCrunch. October 26, 2017. https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/26/google-pixelbook-review-the-chromebook-grows-up/.
- ↑ Gao, Richard (September 19, 2017). "Google Pixelbook, a laptop-tablet hybrid with a $99 "Pixelbook Pen," will start at $1199 and top out at $1749". Android Police. https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/09/19/google-pixelbook-laptop-tablet-hybrid-99-pixelbook-pen-will-start-1199-top-1749/.
- ↑ Palmer, Jordan (October 4, 2017). "Google's Pixelbook is official, starts at $999 with an optional stylus for $99". Android Police. https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/10/04/googles-pixelbook-official/.
- ↑ Hollister, Sean (September 21, 2020). "Google seemingly discontinues the original Pixelbook but won't quite say". The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/21/21449640/google-pixelbook-discontinue-chromebook-laptop.
- ↑ "Hands on: Google Pixelbook review". Tech Radar. http://www.techradar.com/reviews/google-pixelbook. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Pixelbook specifications". Google, Inc.. https://support.google.com/pixelbook/answer/7504948.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Amadeo, Ron (October 4, 2017). "The Google Pixelbook brings back to the $1,000 Chrome OS halo device". Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/10/the-google-pixelbook-brings-back-the-1000-chrome-os-halo-device/.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Amadeo, Ron (October 5, 2017). "Google Pixelbook hands-on: Stunning hardware with the usual limited OS". Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/10/google-pixelbook-hands-on-google-builds-a-beautiful-premium-laptop/.
- ↑ Whitwam, Ryan (December 20, 2017). "The high-end Pixelbook with Core i& CPU is now available on the Google Store, ships in January". Android Police. https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/12/20/high-end-pixelbook-core-i7-cpu-now-available-google-store-ships-january/.
- ↑ Fingas, Jon. "Google's Pixelbook Pen searches for what you circle". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/04/google-pixelbook-pen/.
- ↑ "Google Pixelbook review: emperor of Chrome". The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/26/16550908/google-pixelbook-review-chromebook-android-laptop.
- ↑ Gibbs, Samuel (December 7, 2017). "Google Pixelbook review: the king of Chromebooks is pricey but first rate" (in en-GB). The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/07/google-pixelbook-review-chromebook-computer-hardware.
- ↑ "Google Pixelbook review: A premium Chromebook that's worth the price" (in en-US). Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2017/10/26/google-pixelbook-review/.
- ↑ "Google's new Pixelbook packs a punch – but is it enough for pros?". Wired. October 4, 2017. https://www.wired.co.uk/article/google-pixelbook-release-date-uk-price-specs-pre-order. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
- ↑ Waters, Richard (October 26, 2017). "Review: Google’s Pixelbook — nearly everything breaks new ground". Financial Times (United Kingdom). https://www.ft.com/content/7df0f5f6-ba24-11e7-8c12-5661783e5589.