Contents

Pixelbook

Pixelbook

Pixelbook
Manufacturer	Google
Product family	Google Pixel
Type	Chromebook
Release date	October 30, 2017 (2017-10-30)
Operating system	ChromeOS
CPU	Intel Core i5-7Y57ori7-7Y75
Memory	8 or 16 GBRAM
Storage	128, 256 or 512 GBSSD
Display	12.3 in (310 mm), 2,400 × 1,600 resolution
Connectivity	2×USB-C 1×3.5 mm jack Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.2
Dimensions	(W×L×H): 220.8 mm × 290.4 mm × 10.3 mm (8.69 in × 11.43 in × 0.41 in)
Mass	1.11 kg (2.4 lb)
Predecessor	Chromebook Pixel
Successor	Pixelbook Go
Related	Google Pixel Slate
Website	store.google.com/us/product/google_pixelbook_specs

The Pixelbook (codenamed Eve during development) is a portable laptop/tablet hybrid computer developed by Google which runs ChromeOS. It was announced on October 4, 2017, and was released on October 30.^[1] In September 2022, Google cancelled future generations of the product and dissolved the team working on it.^[2]

Unlike most typical Chromebook devices, the Pixelbook's retail price is much higher at around $1,000, comparable with laptops such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop.^[3][4]

History[edit]

A rumored Pixel-branded Chromebook was anticipated to be launched at Google's annual fall hardware event in 2017 as a successor to the Chromebook Pixel;^[5] it was potentially a spinoff from the prior year's Project Bison, which was anticipated to be a laptop that could convert into a tablet mode.^[6] Google developed and launched a similar tablet with a detachable keyboard in 2018 (codenamed 'Nocturne') as the Pixel Slate.^[7]

The Pixelbook was planned as the next generation of Google laptops after the Chromebook Pixel laptop was discontinued in 2016.^[8] The company realised the Chromebook line had become successful after a slow start, obtaining a market share of 58% of schools in the US, and designed the Pixelbook as a serious industry player that can compete with Apple and Microsoft in this field.^[9]

Limited details, the name, and preliminary pricing for the Pixelbook leaked ahead of the official announcement; in addition, a stylus accessory would also be available.^[10] The Pixelbook was officially announced on October 4, 2017, at prices starting at US$999.^[11]

The Pixelbook Go was announced in October 2019 as a Chromebook with similar performance as the Pixelbook and also equipped with a touchscreen, but the Go dropped tablet mode and stylus support. By September 19, 2020, Google had de-listed all models of the original Pixelbook from its online store, effectively marking its discontinuation.^[12]

Features[edit]

The Pixelbook features a 12.3-inch (310 mm) touchscreen design, allowing the device to be used like a tablet. The device also features Google Assistant with a dedicated button. It runs ChromeOS and can launch Android applications natively.^[13] There is a front-facing camera capable of recording video at 720p, 30 frames per second.^[14] The hinge allows nearly a full 360° range of motion, enabling the computer to operate in "laptop", "tent", or "tablet" modes, depending on the opening angle.^[15]

It features instant tethering; if a wifi signal is dropped, the Pixelbook will automatically connect to a suitable smartphone signal.^[4] Either of the computer's two USB-C ports may be used for charging;^[16] using the provided 45 W charger, charging takes up to two hours. The 41 W-hr battery has a claimed life of 10 hours.^[14]

The top-end version with a Core i7 processor was exclusive to the Google Store and availability lagged the other models; it was not available to order until December 2017, with first shipments in January 2018.^[17]

Accessories[edit]

The device is compatible with Pixelbook Pen, a stylus designed for Pixelbook and sold separately for $99/£99.^[18] The stylus is pressure- and angle-sensitive, and features latency of just 10 ms.^[15] It is powered by a AAAA battery.^[16]

Response[edit]

The Pixelbook had a mixed response from the press, who praised the build quality but questioned the market for the device given the price.

• A review by The Verge said "Just like the iPad Pro, the Pixelbook is an incredibly nice and powerful machine that can handle most of your computing tasks — but probably not all of them."^[19]
• A review in The Guardian said "the king of Chromebooks is pricey but first rate."^[20]
• A review in Engadget described it as "a premium Chromebook that's worth the price."^[21]
• A review in Wired suggested that "I'm not sure anyone will buy one" in October 2017.^[22]
• The Financial Times published a positive review of the new Pixelbook, saying there was more functionality offline than in prior models, among other fixed problems.^[23]

References[edit]