Google introduced the Chromebook Pixel two years ago. As most of its hardware partners were focussed upon building cheap and accessible Chromebooks it was meant to show "the best in hardware, software and design to inspire the next generation of Chromebooks". However it failed to ignite the premium $1K Chromebook market, and hardware partners continued to pump out cheap Chromebooks. Now Google is trying again.
The Chromebook Pixel 2015 again boasts some tasty sounding portable hardware. It has a 12.85-inch 2560 x 1700 pixel resolution touch-screen with wide viewing angles. Users get a choice between an Intel Core i5 Processor, 2.2GHz or Intel Core i7 processor, 2.4GHz with Intel HD Graphics 5500. Depending upon processor choice users will get 8GB or 16GB of RAM and flash storage of either 32GB or 64GB.
The size of this laptop is a little wider than an A4 sheet of paper and 15.3mm thick. Ports and connections include 2x USB Type-C (up to 5 Gbps data, 4K display out with optional HDMI or DisplayPort adapter, 60W charging – one of these ports on each side of the laptop), 2x USB 3.0 ports, SD Card, Headphone/Mic combo, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Users can also enjoy its stereo speakers, 720p webcam and 4K video output to larger screens. The new Chromebook Pixel offers up to 12 hours of battery life(and get 2 hours use from 15 mins fast charging). It is constructed with an aluminium body, sports a smooth glass trackpad and contextual backlit keyboard.
On the software side of things you have "Google built-in," with easy access to the popular Google apps and Google Play content. If you are a fan of the Google ecosystem - that might well appeal.
Pricing is as follows; the Intel Core i5 powered SKU with 8GB RAM and a 32GB SSD costs $999 (£799) and the Intel Core i7 powered SKU with 16GB RAM and a 64GB SSD costs $1299 (£999). In the UK both models are said to be "coming soon".
Google put quite a bit of emphasis on the use of USB Type-C ports on the 2015 Chromebook Pixel. As I mention above, it sports two of these reversible ports and one will probably be on charging duty most of the time (Universal Type-C Charger, 60W, is in the box). In the video below, focussed upon the new connector, Google says we should expect to see USB Type-C connectors "on a lot of Chromebooks and Android phones in the near future."
