News: Google launches new Chromebook Pixel

Google has announced a new Chromebook, namely the Chromebook Pixel, only this one is neither aimed at being a mainstream entry into computing, nor at being particularly budget conscious.

Rather, the company has concentrated on cramming premium and higher-end components into their new offering, which marks a shift away from the original Chromebook ethos.

Nonetheless, the features on offer on the Chromebook Pixel are impressive: for starters, a 13” screen that boasts a resolution of 2560 x 1700 (considerably better than the 1366 x 768 we usually see on notebooks), 4.3 million pixels and 239 ppi (pixels per inch), which is slightly higher than the 220 ppi offered by the MacBook Pro Retina Display.

This, according to Google, will afford users sharp text, vivid colours and extra-wide viewing angles.

Meet Google's answer to the MacBook Pro Retina Display - a high end Chromebook that also boosts a superb screen.

One tenet that exists on Google’s latest is its focus on speed. Google elaborated that this is no different on the Pixel, as Linus Upson, Google’s vice president of engineering, stressed that the overall experience, everything from loading webpages to switching between apps, must be near instant.

Thus, the notebook is powered by an Intel Core i5 Processor and solid state Flash memory. Storage wise, users will receive one terabyte of one terabyte of Google Drive cloud storage for three years, making it, as expected, a Cloud-friendly piece of kit.

Apparently, like Microsoft, Google believes that users want to constantly touch their screen and the Google Pixel will oblige, with a touch sensitive screen that will enable users to organise tabs, swipe through apps and edit photos with their finger.

The premium option

Upson explained that “the Pixel has been engineered with the highest quality components to ensure it’s comfortable to use all day long and meets the needs of demanding power users.”

With this in mind, the Pixel sports an anodised aluminum alloy body to create a smooth and durable surface; while its vents are hidden, screws are invisible and the stereo speakers are tucked away beneath the backlit keyboard.

Additionally, the touchpad is made from etched glass, while Google has also slipped full-range speakers for crisp sound and a 720p webcam for clear video into the body. It further boasts a total of three microphones designed to cancel out surrounding noise.

To the point

“It’s one of the most exciting times in the history of personal computing, thanks to a rapid pace of change, innovation and consumer adoption of devices. Our goal is to continue to push the experience forward for everyone, working with the entire ecosystem to build the next generation of Chrome OS devices,” commented Upson.

The ChromeBook Pixel with Wi-Fi will be made available Stateside and in Europe for about $1 300 (R11 500) from next week, while a slightly pricier LTE version will come with a $1 500 (R13 300) price tag in April. There is no word as yet as to when, if at all, South African users can expect to get their hands on one.

For a video preview of Google’s hit the play button below.

Google launches new Chromebook Pixel

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