All of which raises the question -- why release it? Surely Google knew that by introducing a high-end laptop for the bare-bones Chrome operating system, it would court incredulity even from enthusiastic early adopters. But while we were scratching our heads over Google's intentions with the Pixel, company executives laid out a reasonably persuasive case for bringing it to market.
Raphael, in a sharp piece at Computerworld, has the relevant quote from Google's vice president of engineering, Linus Upson. Emphasis Raphael's:. The Pixel is meant to inspire. No one denies that this Chromebook turns heads.
Much of the Pixel's unveiling last week was given over to discussion of the laptop's design and construction -- the etched glass used in the trackpad, the subtle placement of the microphones, the playful light bar on the exterior that changes color to reflect battery life. And that's to say nothing of that screen, the 4. Compare that to the bargain-basement laptops that have carried Chrome OS until now. The operating system began life on the CR , a rubbery brick of a prototype that appeared to take its design cues from the Brutalists.
The first consumer models, from Samsung and Acer, offered only modest improvements in style and performance. The problem is that Chromebooks have yet to escape the perception that they are inferior, meant for consumers who simply can't afford better. Google's vision of the cloud extends to the entire market -- the low end, the high end, and everything in between.
Until now, there hasn't been a high-end Chromebook. As a result, you're unlikely to ever step into a meeting and see an executive carrying one under her arm.
But of course they are: Apple laptops are built with style, sophistication, and power -- adjectives few would ascribe to the Samsung Series 5. The Pixel marks an attempt to meet style with style and power with power -- to show Web developers, manufacturing partners, and its own employees that Chrome is a serious operating system deserving of a first-class computer.
The Pixel could inspire developers to build fast, full-featured Web apps that take advantage of touch -- a feature rapidly becoming standard on laptops. And it could inspire Googlers to ditch their MacBooks in favor of a homegrown solution that has its own advantages. That's a best-case scenario, sure -- but if you're Google, it's one worth pursuing. Learn more. By this point, you already have an opinion on Google's Chromebooks. The idea of living with a computer that runs only web apps, some of which also work offline, is a concept you're either OK with or not into at all.
You either get it or you don't. For those who do get it, Google's Chromebook Pixel is an outstanding machine. If anything, it'll just piss you off. It will elicit scoffs and huffs and grumbles about how Google has no idea what it's doing building a high-priced laptop that only runs a web browser.
You can count me among the converts. I'm what you'd call a cloud power user. For the last couple of years, nearly everything I do on a desktop or laptop computer takes place in the browser usually with a dozen or so tabs open. As such, everything I need to do for work, I can do on a Chromebook. After using the Pixel since its launch almost a week ago , I feel like this computer was tailored to suit my current computing life.
I'm enamored with the machine. How could I not be? The Pixel is the most powerful and finely crafted Chromebook ever built. It's lust-worthy in its excess, and there's nothing else quite like it on the market.
Is the Pixel perfect? Not at all. Does it meet all of my needs? Almost, but no. But with its considerate design, built-in 4G connectivity, gobs of speed, nice trackpad and intriguing, high-density touchscreen, the Pixel is a device that is ahead of its time, and something that's clearly been designed to far exceed the demands of the regular web user.
All previous Chromebooks have been unapologetically utilitarian — cheaply priced, cheaply built, and a bit crude. They're the entry-level economy cars of laptops. They're great secondary computers that I've found myself using as primary machines due to their convenience. But the Pixel is different than all the rest. It's like riding in a plush new, high-performance, luxury sports car.
While they live on two opposite ends of the Chromebook spectrum, they perform the same basic functions, albeit with wildly different levels of style, class and power. Open the lid and the machine starts up automatically. Before you can even reach for the power button, it's on. In about four or five seconds, your login screen pops up. From there, you see your desktop and you're ready to launch any web app or website.
Everything is stupid-fast because Chrome OS is such a lightweight operating system. At-a-glance features Thank you for your interest! This device is currently only available in select markets.
Check back soon for changes to availability. Pixelbook has a 4-in-1 design to seamlessly adjusts to whatever you want to do with laptop, tablet, tent and entertainment modes. Laptop, tablet, tent and entertainment modes. Quickly get answers, get things done, manage your day and more. Meet the smart, responsive pen for your Google Pixelbook. With up to GB of hard drive storage, you can store your favorite movies, shows, music and more.
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