Chromebook Pixel 2015: Great build quality, fast, USB Type-C and cheaper (but still too expensive)

[Shawn Knight]

Google released the original Chromebook Pixel a little over two years ago. At $1,299, the system didn’t make a ton of sense for most but what it did was serve as an example of what a high-end Chromebook could look like (and hopefully influence the industry).

The search giant is now back with its second generation Pixel. At first glance, the system looks nearly identical to the original which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but the real changes take place under the hood.

This year’s Pixel is powered by Intel’s Broadwell processors and comes with more memory and storage. Specifically, the base Pixel 2 includes a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 32GB of solid state storage for $999. Those needing a bit more speed can opt for the $1,299 “Ludicrous Speed” variant that ships with a Core i7 chip, 16GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage.

Both include a 12.85-inch touch-enabled display operating at a resolution of 2,560 x 1,700 (3:2 aspect ratio) and two USB Type-C connectors, the same that Apple debuted on their new MacBook earlier this week. It’s still early days for the versatile Type-C port (there are legacy USB ports on the device as well) but it’s clear that this is the future of USB.

Google rates the Pixel 2 at 12 hours of battery life and based on the reviews I’ve scanned just now, that seems about right – give or take an hour. And thanks to the aforementioned Type-C connector, the system can be fully recharged in about an hour and a half.

All agree that the machine feels very sturdy and well-built with an improved keyboard and trackpad. The screen received praise as well but don’t expect to get much done outside under bright sunlight.

The entry-level model is still much more expensive than any other Chromebook and the general consensus around the web is that it continues to be priced too high to be a viable alternative to cheaper solutions. Chrome OS has come a long way over the past two years but the reality is, it still has a lot of work left to do.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/60022-chromebook-pixel-2015-great-build-quality-fast-usb.html

 

[VitalyT]

Brick-ish.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

What's Google's story here with those extortionist prices? Are they trying to take after Apple now? Well they won't succeed, they haven't got the skills or the ability to dupe the unwary like Apple has. People are more savvy when it comes to Google stuff.

 

[Guest]

"hey guys google here. check out our new chromebook. it comes with an operating system meant for old people who like browsing the web and doing mediocre/meaningless things. oh you like gaming? well you can play flash games or android games no prob.......but games that actually matter, nah. oh hey u also get a HUGE amount of storage 32-64 gigs omg. also check out this unnecessary high resolution we packed into our 12 inch display so u can squint more while reading emails. all this for $1000 usd." also 12 hours of battery life is a major joke considering these chromebooks dont even have any real horsepower/gaming ability unless u force throw windows on there. I feel sorry for whoever buys one of these.

 

[Guest]

This why no one will ever take Googles OS serious. It can't do anything and at those prices Windows and Mac are better choices, do a hell of a lot more. They also have real storage options not the joke of 32 or 64GB.

 

[Guest]

This is the future of computing .. Google are just showing us ahead of time. All the brains and storage are in the cloud.. All they are waiting for is gigabit links tobthe home. Hmm whos providing those? A small core will still want local storage and processing. But even thise can be provided by a powerful home server. Feeding over 10ge home network, to any home terminal .. Soon.