If you’re not aware of what Google’s been doing for the past decade, well, they’ve been spending quite a bit of time working on Chrome OS. Since the release of Chromebook Pixel in 2013, they’ve continued to make updates, ensuring that Chromebook Pixel is fresh and advanced in design. When it first came out, Chromebook Pixel was everything everyone loved about the simple operating system with additional features such as a premium aluminum body and high-resolution display. Through the years, they added more features such as USB-C ports and updated internals. Though over the past year, Google finally announced that they have a new Chromebook called the Pixelbook. Not sure what the big deal behind the Pixelbook? Don’t worry, here’s everything you need to know.

The Fundamentals

The Pixelbook is essentially a convertible laptop. The keyboard is able to flip around, making it into a tablet and there’s also an optional stylus which is available for an additional cost of $99. Yes, we know that convertible laptop aren’t a new invention, but for Google, this is the first one in Chrome.

The Pixelbook, as all of Google’s laptops, will always be geared to developers as their devices are great for building applications. Thus, if you’re a developer looking for a laptop for work and leisure, this one is a great option.

Hardware

The Pixelbook does an amazing job at standing out among the crowd. Rather than using the typical silver aluminium, Google has used the design of their Pixel phones as inspiration. On the Pixelbook, there’s a glass window on the back of the cover, allowing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be used without interference. The trackpad is made of ribbed, white silicone for extra durability and support. In comparison to other laptops on the market, Pixelbook doesn’t look like any other.

Internal Hardware

Pixelbook has a decent amount of power behind it, however, you do pay for what you get. Some users think that it’s too much power, but this just means you need to take advantage of it. The base configuration is a fanless seventh generation Intel Core i5 processor, 128 GB of storage and 8 gigabytes of RAM. Just when you thought you had enough, if you need more, the middle configuration comes with the same processor and RAM, however, with 256GB of storage. The final configuration is a fanless seventh generation Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of NVME storage.

Though, these come with a price. The PIxelbook starts off at $999 for the i5/8GB RAM/128GB. The middle configuration is $1,199 and the third configuration is $1649 (i7/16GB RAM/512GB). For a Chromebook, it’s not inexpensive as it’s other OS devices, however, the amount of RAM and storage you get is amazing.

Android Apps on Pixelbook

The amount of Android apps on Chromebooks has steadily grown over the past couple years. However, though it’s on a Pixelbook, you’ll still have a beta tag attached to it, meaning that even though if the channel of Chrome OS is stable, apps may have crashing or bugging issues. However, Google has improved app function on Chrome OS.

Pen Not Included

For the price of the Pixelbook, Google could have included the Pixelbook pen, however, they didn’t. The Pixelbook pen comes with a Google Assistance activation button and 2,000 levels of pressure sensitivity with a 10 millisecond response time. It’s as though you’re using a real pen or pencil. The pen even works on apps such as Evernote and Google Keep. The pen will set you back an additional $99.

First Chromebook with Google Assistant

The Pixelbook is the first laptop with Google’s AI feature built right into it. Google Assistant recognizes voice or typed questions as it does on every other device. You’ll be able to ask Assistant a question and it’ll provide you with an answer without yelling it over the speakers.

Keyboard layout

Pixelbook comes with a new keyboard layout with the search button on the left, replacing the Caps Locks that’s on Windows laptops. A Google Assistant button is now placed between the left Ctrl and Alt keys. Along the top of the keyboard, there’s now a screenshot button and a settings button.

What do you think? Is the PixelBook something you’d end up buying? Let us know in the comment section below!