Google has announced a new generation of its flagship Chromebook Pixel. The new Pixel continues the original’s legacy of pairing premium design and credible hardware with the company’s browser-focused Chrome OS platform. The new model is more powerful, more advanced, and more affordable than the model it replaces.
The Pixel comes in two models: the Base Pixel and the LS model. The screen is 12.85″ in a 3:2 ratio with a 2560×1700 resolution. It’s also full touch. The standard pixel comes with a 5th generation Broadwell Intel Core i5 at 2.2GHz and 8GB of memory while the LS comes with a 2.4GHz Core i7 with 16GB of storage. Storage for the base model comes from a 32GB SSD while the LS gets 64GB. This is not surprising as Google expects the laptop to be used primarily with web apps, streaming content, and cloud storage. Battery life is 12 hours and it can be quick charged in just over 2 hours.
Like the just announced MacBook, the Chromebook Pixel has USB Type-C. It has a pair of these ports in addition to a pair of full-size USB 3.0 ports. Compared to the MacBook, the Pixel gives a better look at the full capabilities of USB-C. This super port can power up to 60 watts, drive a 4K DisplayPort or HDMI monitor, and deliver the same 5Gbps of data transfer as a full-size USB 3.0 port. This port will be replacing the Micro-USB connector on Android phones and tablets according to Google. Google also announced a full slate of accessories including a 60w universal Type-C charger, a Type-C to Type-A cable, type A to type C adaptor, Type-C to DisplayPort monitor cable, and Type-C to HDMI Adaptor. All these accessories will be compatible with any computer, tablet, or phone with Type-C. Yes, that includes the MacBook.
The new Pixel is $999 for the base model and $1299 for the LS. You can buy them now on the newly launched Google Store.
Source: Google
