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Google Pixelbook: What You Need to Know About This Chromebook
The lowdown on this high-performance laptop
By Stanley Goodner Stanley Goodner Writer Excelsior College Stanley Goodner is a former Lifewire writer who writes about audio equipment, music management, computer hardware, and other consumer technologies. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 1, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Design Specs Chrome OS Features Pricing The Google Pixelbook is a high-performance Chromebook that Google released in 2017. Its sleek design, versatility, and power launched Pixelbooks into the same conversation as high-end Windows and Mac laptops. Here's a look at the Google Pixelbook's features, specs, and pricing. Google released the Pixelbook Pro in late 2019, aiming for a lower-priced, lightweight, and more portable alternative to its flagship Pixelbook. Google Google Pixelbook Design
The Pixelbook features high-end hardware and a premium design that incorporates an aluminum chassis along with Corning Gorilla Glass detail. The Pixelbook offers several configurations for a choice of processor, memory, and storage. At 0.4 inches (10.3 mm) thick when closed, the Pixelbook is strikingly slim, rivaling a 13-inch MacBook Pro. The Pixelbook has 360-degree flexible hinges, giving it a hybrid convertible design similar to the Microsoft Surface or Asus Chromebook Flip. This design lets the keyboard fold flush against the back of the screen to use a Pixelbook as a laptop, tablet, or propped-up display. The Pixelbook battery provides up to 10 hours of use time, though real-life results may vary. The battery is designed for fast charging, giving two hours of battery life after a 15-minute charge. Google Pixelbook Specs
Here's a by-the-numbers look at the Pixelbook's tech specs: Manufacturer Google Display 12.3 in Quad HD LCD touchscreen, 2400x1600 resolution @ 235 PPI Processor 7th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor Memory 8 GB or 16 GB RAM Storage 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB SSD Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 MIMO, dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.2 Camera 720p @ 60 fps Weight 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) OS Chrome OS Release Date October 2017 Google Pixelbook' s Chrome OS
One important aspect separating the Pixelbook from previous model Chromebooks is that the operating system is no longer only focused on Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity. The updated Chrome OS offers standalone functionality so you can multitask and download media content for offline playback. The Pixelbook also incorporates full support for Android apps and the Google Play store. Earlier Chromebooks were limited to only browser-based versions of select Android apps and apps designed specifically for Chrome. Notable Pixelbook Features
The Pixelbook includes some unique and noteworthy features. Google Assistant
The Pixelbook is the first laptop with Google Assistant built-in. Interact with Google Assistant through a dedicated keyboard key, voice activation (say "OK Google" for the Pixelbook's microphones to pick up), or by pressing the Google Assistant button on the Google Pixelbook Pen. Google Assistant can launch apps, send emails, manage calendar items, set reminders, create notes, and control media. It also provides relevant information about photos, text, or events. Google Pixelbook Pen
The Pixelbook offers active stylus support for the Google Pixelbook Pen (sold separately). Created as a joint partnership between Google and Wacom, the Pixelbook Pen delivers a virtually lag-free writing experience with tilt support and pressure sensitivity (with select apps). Create and save handwritten notes and designs or sketches with natural precision, even from a locked screen. The Pixelbook Pen also doubles as a magnifying glass or a laser pointer for presentations. Instant Tethering
The Pixelbook features instant tethering with Pixel phones. If wireless internet is unavailable to the laptop, instant tethering allows it to seamlessly connect to a Pixel phone to share the mobile data. Fast-Charge Battery
With the included USB-C 45 W adapter (which also works with Pixel phones), the Pixelbook can gain up to two hours of use time with only 15 minutes of charging or up to 7.5 hours with 60 minutes of charging. Backlit Keyboard
If you work in low-light conditions, the Pixelbook's backlit keys make it easier to type. Hardware Security Module
Although ideal for business and enterprise consumers, everyday users can appreciate the added layer of protection safeguarding personal and sensitive data. Glass Trackpad
The Pixelbook trackpad has a smooth, responsive glass surface that offers edge-to-edge operation. The trackpad also has finger-swiping shortcuts to see all open windows, open links in a new tab, or quickly change tabs. Pixelbook Pricing
The Pixelbook with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD retails for $999. The same model with a 256 GB SSD costs $1,199. A Pixelbook with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB NVME SSD costs $1,649. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Google Pixelbook Go Review: A Wonderfully Executed Chromebook at a Tough Price Can You Use a Chromebook as Your Main Computer? Which Microsoft Surface Is Best for You? Google Phones: A Look at the Pixel Line The 7 Best Chromebooks, Tested by Lifewire New MacBook Air: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs Chromebook vs. Other Laptops How to Get Fortnite on a Chromebook Samsung Galaxy A Phones: What You Need to Know Chromebooks vs. Tablets on a Budget What Is the Google Pixel Slate? Pixel 6 & 6a: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs Google Pixel Tablet: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors The 8 Best 2-in-1 Laptop Tablets, Tested by Experts The Official Android Versions Guide: Everything You Need to Know Google Pixel Watch: Release Date, Price, Specs, and News Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies