Google launches Chromebook Pixel, starts shipping next week
updated 02:51 pm EST, Thu February 21, 2013
LTE-enabled version with Verizon Wireless access ships April
Google has unveiled its first premium Chromebook with a touchscreen, confirming previous rumors and reports. The Chromebook Pixel, the name itself leaked through a promotional video for the device on YouTube, has a 12.85-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2560x1700, with a pixel density that Google claims is the highest of any notebook, at 239ppi.
As well as being multitouch-enabled, the Gorilla Glass-protected display has 400 nits of brightness and a 178-degree viewing angle, with an integrated 720p webcam sited at the top of the 3:2 aspect ratio screen, said to be designed for easier web use. Weighing 3.35-pounds, the case is machined from anodized aluminum and has active cooling with no visible vents.
Inside is a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor running at 1.8GHz, with 4GB of DDR3 RAM and integrated Intel graphics. One terabyte of Google Drive cloud storage is included for three years, and supplements the internal 32GB SSD storage. The 59Wh battery is said to last for up to five hours of active use, while connectivity is provided over dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, two USB 2.0 ports, a mini display port, and built-in SD card reader. An alternative version, featuring a built-in LTE modem, will have a 64GB SSD, and 100MB of bandwidth per month for two years over Verizon Wireless mobile broadband. Both versions will also have 12 free sessions of GoGo inflight Internet access.
The Wi-Fi model will cost $1,300 and ship next week, while the LTE model with expanded internal storage will cost $1,450 and will ship in early April. As well as going on sale through Google Play in the US and the UK, the Chromebook Pixel will also be available through Best Buy in the US and Currys PC World in the UK.
