Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)

1 of 14
  • Chromebook Pixel by Google

    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)

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Unboxing the Pixel

    Unboxing the Pixel

    The Pixel ships in a simple, heavy white box with a magnetic closure.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Opening the Pixel

    Opening the Pixel

    The box contains the Pixel, two-piece power cord, and a simple brochure pointing out 10 things you need to know about the Pixel.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Elegant construction

    Elegant construction

    The Pixel is nicely constructed with a metal casing. The engineering and design is top quality and every seam is perfectly joined.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Power

    Power

    The Pixel ships with a power adapter that can be used along or with an extension cord (included) to reach the power outlet.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • SD card storage

    SD card storage

    The right side of the Pixel reveals the SD/MMC card slot next to the SIM card slot. The latter is not used in the wi-fi model currently shipping. The LTE model should be available in April, according to Google.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Ports

    Ports

    The left side of the Pixel has a bevy of ports. From left to right: Power; mini HDMI; 2x USB 2.0; audio in/out.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Charge indicator

    Charge indicator

    The power adapter plugs in to the left rear of the Pixel for charging. It has a colored LED ring around the plug that indicates the current charge of the battery. It glows green when fully charged as in this photo.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Keyboard and trackpad

    Keyboard and trackpad

    The chiclet keyboard is good for fast typing and includes a top row of special control keys for Chrome OS, common to chromebooks.

    The glass trackpad is buttonless and a joy to use.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Thin profile

    Thin profile

    The Pixel is thin as demonstrated in this photo. The high-resolution display (2560x1700) has a density of 239ppi and is bright and vivid (400 nit).

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Keyboard side view

    Keyboard side view

    The large trackpad is demonstrated in this side view closeup of the keyboard.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Seamless bottom

    Seamless bottom

    The bottom of the Pixel is seamless and offers no access to the innards. The sealed battery offers 5 hours on a charge, according to Google.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • One-finger opening

    One-finger opening

    The front of the Pixel has a simple indentation that provides easy access to open the lid. The special hinge allows opening the lid with one finger, yet keeps the laptop securely closed.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Lid hinge

    Lid hinge

    The special hinge mentioned in the previous slide is shown in this photo.

    Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

    Caption by: James Kendrick

1 of 14

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.

Read More Read Less

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)

Caption by: James Kendrick

1 of 14

Related Topics:

Mobility Google Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware
Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

    • 1 of 3