14 DAY TRIAL // In addition to the Pixel 2 lineup of smartphones, Google also launched a new Pixelbook today, as it refreshes its own Chromebook series to compete against the likes of Microsoft Surface and Apple MacBook.
Google Pixelbook uses design cues from the Pixel phone and employs glass on the lid to boost the wireless signal. The 12.3-inch Quad HD display provides stunning quality, Google claims, and features a pixel density of 235 pixels per inch.
Google wants to position the Pixelbook as a direct Microsoft Surface rival, so one of the main features is the 2-in-1 form factor, which means the device is not only a laptop, but also a tablet with touch support.
To boost productivity and tablet interaction, Google has also launched a new Pixel Pen which is clearly aimed at the Surface Pen and the Apple Pencil.
The Mountain View-based firm, however, claims its stylus is the best on the market with 10ms latency, providing one of the best response times currently available. It is also sold separately at $99.
Prices starting at $999
Google has detailed mostly the entry-level configuration, which will be priced at $999, as the company appears to be focusing especially on the price factor this time. This base model will be powered by an Intel Core i5 processor paired with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The device features 2 different USB-C ports for charging, which supports even the Pixel smartphone charger.
A fast charging mode will also be offered, with Google claiming the device will get 2 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging.
As for the top hardware configurations, Google will also offer 512GB SSD storage and 16GB RAM.
The new Pixelbook is already available for pre-order right now, but shipments will begin on October 31.
It remains to be seen how the new Chromebook will compete against Microsoft’s Surface and Apple’s MacBook, but this new model is living proof that Google is very serious about hardware and is fully committed to improving Chrome OS despite the obvious drawbacks versus Windows and Android.
