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Topic: Mobility

Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)

Summary: The Chromebook Pixel has only been out a few hours and we've got our hands on one. Have a look at the very expensive, nicely designed laptop from Google.

James Kendrick

By for Mobile News |

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(Image: James Kendrick/ZDNet)

Chromebook Pixel by Google

Google's first foray in the laptop space is definitely high end with the expensively priced Chromebook Pixel. Starting at $1,299 for the wi-fi model and ramping up to $1,449 for the long-term evolution (LTE) version, the Pixel is priced to make a statement. It's not sure exactly what that statement might be to this writer.

Hardware specs

  • CPU: Intel Core i5, 1.8 GHz

  • Display: 12.85 inches, 2560x1700, 239ppi; 400 nit; touchscreen

  • Memory/storage: 4GB memory; 32GB storage (64GB LTE model)

  • Ports: 2x USB 2.0; miniDisplay port; 2-in-1 SD/MMC card reader; audio

  • Connectivity: wi-fi (a/b/g/n) dual band; Bluetooth 3.0

  • Battery: 59Wh, up to 5 hours

  • Dimensions: 297.7x224.6x16.2mm (11.72x8.84x0.63 inches)

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Topics: Mobility, Google, Laptops

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92 comments
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  • Shape of the Chromebook Pixel

    Is it just me, or does the Chromebook Pixel look like a giant square? The trackpad looks ginormous, and the trackpad area takes up nearly half of the bottom.
    MrBillwulf
    Reply Vote

    • Your perception of the "squareness" of the Pixel is accurate

      I have read the display has a 2:3 ratio rather than the 16:9 ratio favored. Google designed the Pixel display using this ratio because they felt that ratio would better display web page content. (Google is right on this account)
      kenosha77a
      Reply 3 Votes

      • So

        ... Can it run Office apps? Adobe Photoshop? Visual Studio maybe? My company's CRM application? of simply my accounting data entry interface? No...? I guess so.
        Oh it can only run stuff from Google. I see....

        So it's a spyware. Not for me... not even close.
        gbouchard99@...
        Reply 5 Votes

        • Re: Adobe Photoshop?

          Does your company use Adobe Photoshop?
          ldo17
          Reply Vote

          • And if they use Photoshop

            Chances are it's a MAC shop.
            Alan Smithie
            Reply 2 Votes

          • not even close.

            There is still more 3rd party support on a PC for Photoshop, this isn't 1988.
            slickjim
            Reply Vote

          • The old Photoshop argument

            As if the whole world runs Photoshop.

            Same old tired excuse as usual...
            CaviarGreen
            Reply 1 Vote

          • The whole world does use photoshop

            Both legally and illegally. Still one of the most pirated pieces of commercial software.
            NOEEM
            Reply 1 Vote

        • RE: So

          It's an online device, so yes, it can run your precious little bastardized SkyDrive. And it's not like Microsoft isn't loaded with Spyware. Remember how XP had to have patches for Remote Assitance? So before you go sitting on your red, green, blue and yellow high horse, remember Microsoft's checkered past and the HUGE mistakes that cost them their status as the industry leader.
          Richard Estes
          Reply 1 Vote

          • wow..

            An argument with Windows XP in 2013. It makes a lot of sense and you sure know what you are talking about.
            Simon Tupper
            Reply 6 Votes

        • Wow

          Love my job, since I've been bringing in $5600… I sit at home, music playing while I work in front of my new iMac that I got now that I'm making it online.(Click Home information)
          http://goo.gl/0qGRA
          AndyCarroll34
          Reply Vote

    • Expensive? Apples Useless CrapBook averages at $3000

      To the author of this stupid article....chrombook is expensive? Really? Crapple is charging $2700 for a useless CrapBook that's flaky, has an incompatible version of unix slapped on it which the brand as "Mac OSX" that runs a total of 5 software titles that no one aside from iTards use...yeah well worth the price tag there.
      StevesNightmare
      Reply 3 Votes

      • At least the Crapple runs real software

        unlike Chrome, Apple does have software people find useful, otherwise they wouldn't pay for it.

        Typical stupid comment
        Cynical99
        Reply 6 Votes

      • Huh

        If are married to Google Ecosystem and have a MacBook
        1. Download Chrome
        2. Visit https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/home from Chrome browser
        3. Now you can use those Mac Apps in addition to Crimebook Web Apps.
        4. You don't need a expensive HD monitor unless you have a lot of money to burn and show up your ignorance.

        And FYI, Mac OSX has more apps than Google Chrome Web Apps.
        Ram U
        Reply 4 Votes

      • I'm not the author...

        but, to answer your question, yes, Pixel REALLY is expensive. Considering the limitations unless you're happy just being boxed in the Google world.
        Not an apple fan, but between this pile of **** and a Macbook, I'd gladly choose the latter.
        View from Here
        Reply 1 Vote

      • Look NONZEALOT has another imaginary friend!

        Nice alter name loser.
        toddbottom7
        Reply Vote

    • hmm

      Looks like my friends old mbp.
      slickjim
      Reply Vote

    • It's hip to be square!

      Finally! Someone has figured out that wide screen displays are an idiotic idea for a PC display.

      I mean seriously, I never under stood the whole 16:9 wide screen thing. What is the point? Am I supposed to be watching movies or something? When I am working on a PC I am dealing with text, not movies, so I need plenty of vertical space.

      The wide screen fad has been frustrating. 16:10 was OK I guess, but now all you can find are 16:9 which is ridiculous. Especially on a laptop.

      I would buy a chromebook pixel solely for the screen with the extra vertical space. Now if they just made "pixel" monitors, I would be one happy camper.
      spackle
      Reply Vote

      • agree..

        About the only time I enjoy the 16:9 display is when I'm in a airline seat. The 16:9 makes it perfect to fit on the tray.. Oh and you get the movie to fit perfect. But honestly most of the time 16:9 stinks for real work.
        Johnpford
        Reply Vote

  • Can this run any other OS than Crome?

    If this can only Crome OS, then SJVN need to explain few thing to Zdnet readers.
    Owlll1net
    Reply 9 Votes
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