When Google first launched their premier Chromebook in 2013, the Chromebook Pixel, the price tag left the average consumer out of the mix at $1299. We didn’t see a refresh come from Google in 2014, but they have brought us a new one to lust after in 2015. The new Chromebook Pixel actually comes in two models. One with a 2.2GHz Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD. The other carries a 2.4GHz Intel i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD.
The i5 variant will set you back $999 while the i7 model will eat $1299 out of your bank account. Both bring users a 12.85 inch 2560 x 1700 pixel display and a pair of Type-C USB ports. These Type-C ports are the big deal here as they are used for charging and connecting devices. They also don’t require you to flip your cable over a million times to get it plugged in correctly. They also can act as video out ports with a Type-C to HDMI cable. If that isn’t enough for you, Google also gave the keyboard some back lights and slapped in a battery that is rated for 12 hours of use. Even better, a 15 minute charge should net you about 2 hours of usage time too. Full specs below:
Dimensions
- 11.7†x 8.8†x 0.6†/ 297.7mm x 224.55mm x 15.3mm
Weight
- 3.3 lbs/ 1.5 Kg
Screen
- 12.85″ display with a web-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio
- 2560 x 1700, at 239 PPI
- 400 nit screen
- 178° extra-wide viewing angle
Processor
- Intel® Core™ i5 Processor, 2.2GHz or Intel® Core™ i7 processor, 2.4GHz
Inputs
- Multi-touch screen
- Backlit Chrome keyboard
- Fully clickable, etched-glass trackpad
Battery
- Up to 12 hours of battery life¹
Ports & Connectors
- 2 USB Type-C (up to 5 Gbps data, 4K display out with optional HDMI or DisplayPort adapter, 60W charging)
- 2 USB 3.0 ports
- SD Card
- Headphone/Mic combo
Camera
- 720P HD Wide Angle camera with Blue Glass
Memory
- 8GB or 16GB
Storage
- 32GB or 64GB of Flash Storage²
Wireless
- 802.11ac Wireless with support for A/B/G/N/AC, 2.4 and 5ghz, 2×2 spatial streams
- Bluetooth 4.0 BR/EDR/LE Smart Ready controller
Audio
- High Power Stereo Speakers, Dual Microphones, Headset jack,
- Support for headset with microphone
Graphics
- Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Integrated)
Video
- Supports 4K video output over DisplayPort™™ or HDMI with optional Type-C video adapter cable
Charger
- Type-C USB Charger, new industry standard
On a side note, Apple’s latest Macbook also brings in Type-C USB, but only offers users one port.
It might be a bit overkill for a system that only runs the Chrome OS. Considering that Chrome OS can be a bit of beast on RAM the boost to 8 and 16 GB’s is welcomed. With the more recent addition of Photoshop the processing power can’t be a bad thing. Granted it all is supposed to run in the cloud. I am willing to bet that there will be some big things coming to Chrome soon that might just put this hardware to work a bit more though.
To get one ordered you will need to visit the new Google store where you can find everything from Chromebooks to Nest to Accessories and more.
Source: Google Store Via Liliputing
