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Google has refreshed the Chromebook Pixel, and set it inside their snazzy new online storefront. This 2015 refresh brings a number of very notable changes that will probably have you itching to upgrade.
The biggest is the inclusion of not one, but two USB Type-C ports. Why is that a big deal? To now, Apple’s new Macbook (announced at the same event we heard about the ridiculous Apple Watch price tags) was the only device known to launch with the next generation USB port.
USB Type-C is a flexible new standard that serves multiple functions. It’s a charging port for one, and can also be used as a high speed USB 3.1 port, video-out and more. It’s reversible, to boot, so there’s no need to make sure you’re plugging the cable in the right way — either side is the right side.
There are adapters available for purchase that’ll let you connect Type-A USB 1.0 to USB 3.0 products to the laptop (there are two Type-A USB 3.0 ports available so this might not even be necessary), as well as adapters for direct USB 3.1 Type-C to HDMI, MiniDisplay and other video-out standards. It’s a pretty big deal and we’re glad to see more and more products popping up with the technology.
That’s not all. The 2015 Chromebook Pixel gets a whopping 12 hours of battery life compared to the 5 hours promised in the previous generation. It’s also a bit thinner by 1mm, sports Intel’s latest Core i5 and Core i7 mobile processors, and still looks downright gorgeous. Here’s the full spec sheet in case you’re wondering what, exactly, you’re in store for:
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
Overkill for a laptop that basically runs nothing but a web browser? Possibly, but at least you’ll know you’re equipped with a device powerful enough to handle whatever innovations Google’s Chrome team comes up with next. And there’s always the ability to replace it with a Linux distribution if you’re handy enough to do something like that.
The 32GB storage, 8GB of RAM and Core i5 kit starts at a cool $999, while the 64GB storage, 16GB of RAM and Core i7 version will Cost about $300 more. Not bad for all the cutting edge goodness stuffed inside this portable package. The device ships a mere couple of days after placing your order so head to the Google Store to secure one if you’re interested.
Those type C USB connectors should be the standard.
Nevermind it is the new standard, glad it is now been waiting for a while.
:D
Anyone know what “Blue Glass” is?
Is that like Blue Waffle for the tech world? The internet has warped my mind.
*Disclaimer* if you do not know what Blue Waffle is… For DEAR GOD don’t Google search it.
Blue waffle, you nasty ass mutha F’r and you prolly wasn’t wearing a condom when u was smashing them nasty hoes. Glad you decided to settle down
What the Hell are you talking about. Boy don’t make me clown you for a second time today.
You know the heck I’m talking about, u said blue waffle, u talking about that nasty ass std, and clown me, dude, play your best card, this the internet, anything you say imma laugh at
Why are you worried about the sex another DUDE is having? Seems kinda suspect homie. I see you changed your profile to show off what a Dodge. If it ain’t a Hellcat Charger or Challenger it ain’t the time of posting. lol fuq outta here
Blue Glass is used to filter out IR:
http://www.us.schott.com/magazine/english/sol212/sol212-15-blaues-glas.html
The only thing it is missing for the masses is… wait for it… Skype.
I know someone who would get this in a second (regardless of price) if it had Skype.
To each their own. I never liked skype. Google’s video conference tech is great, and is very accessible for most people.
Yeah, I prefer Hangouts 100x!
Skype can now be used from a browser (and thus Chromebook).
http://blogs.skype.com/2014/03/04/skype-brings-the-world-closer-together-one-inbox-at-a-time/
I can’t play Skype and computer games. Skype uses all the resources. Granted my laptop is old. =.P
Can I put Windows 7 on this thing?
I would expect so. It runs on intel, and in the past chromebooks have played nice with other operating systems (provided they run on the chip)
Well hells bells I might just pick up this beauty then. I’ve tried Chrome OS for a few months and… I just couldn’t. I’m too dependent on all the plugins and extensions and everything else in the Windows world.
This is a guide for the old pixel, may not apply to the new one.
https://gbatemp.net/threads/how-to-install-windows-8-on-your-google-chromebook-pixel.350111/
Also, if there is some weird tweaking needed for the new one, it might take a little while before some hacker publishes a guide. So if I were you I would wait before buying until after someone publishes a guide for the new one.
Oh bless you for this! Yeah this thing is a really beauty hardware wise. Windows 7 would make it perfect for this consumer.
Also, there is this:
http://www.dailytech.com/Chromebooks+Can+Now+Run+Windows+Apps+Thanks+to+VMWare/article34329.htm
Try a Ubuntu install…
Why on earth would you want to !? Lol
Cuz brah, I’m not down with Chrome OS. She’s too weird for me. This thing has a sexy body but I don’t like her mind.
Lmao I was just kidding. I know Chrome OS has limited functionality I just don’t like Windows
But that storage space, though. Isn’t like 10-15GB taken away from the OS already?
If I can swap the drives that would be nice.
This is awesome! I’m very excited.
Why would someone buy this when they can buy the Surface Pro 3 for the same price…?
– the build quality is better
– its far more attractive
– many people strongly prefer clamshells with the strong, rigid hinge
– they get a beautiful, convenient, easy to use OS that integrates with all the other google services they have come to love
I mean, neither devices is for everyone.
For me, easy ubuntu install and support is also a plus.
If the surface pro 3 came with a keyboard case that had a _good_ hinge, and if there was a better linux community surrounding it, I would consider it.
Most of your stuff was cosmetic related. The only “selling” point you mentioned was the keyboard hinge.
I get things based on design, though I know it’s not that great of an argument. =.P
For people who like the look and are willing to pay for it, its the only argument they need.
I don’t have the money to throw around like that, and I recently learned that the max onboard storage was 64gb. If I were to pay that much money, I’d like more storage.
I’ve been using a 2nd gen Samsung Chromebook for years as my traveling laptop. Great battery life, light, good enough for most needs, and cheap enough to border on being disposable. I would love to get the new Pixel, but the advantage of “cheap enough to border on being disposable” would disappear at $1K+.