Chromebook Pixel hands on (photos)

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)

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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