Google announced the 2017 Pixelbook at today’s Made by Google event.
Unlike last year’s Pixel Slate 2-in-1 tablet, the Pixelbook Go is a compact clamshell laptop.
Despite certain similarities, the Pixelbook Go isn’t a direct successor to the original Pixelbook, as its specs and look suggest.
Is it a Pixelbook? Read on to discover out.
A New Pixelbook
The Pixelbook Go is a 13.3-inch clamshell laptop with a different design than other ChromeOS devices. While all models have a touchscreen, the Pixelbook lacks a 360-degree hinge and doesn’t support the Pixelbook Pen from 2017.
The Pixelbook Go comes with two screen options: Full HD for most models and 4K “Molecular Display” for the i7 model. However, unlike the Pixelbook and Pixel Slate, they all use a 16:9 format. The Pixelbook Go has the same great keyboard as the Pixelbook.
A new rugged texture on the bottom should make it easier to grip and prevent minor wear. Just Black and Not Pink will be available at launch. Each side has a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Two front-firing speakers and two built-in mics are notable design improvements. Thanks to the device’s 2MP front-facing camera and Google Duo support, it should be able to video chat with family members.
The Pixelbook Go comes with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage and 8 or 16GB of RAM. The Pixel Slate’s Titan C chip, WiFi, and Bluetooth components are shared. Intel Core M3, i5, and i7 processors are available.
The Pixelbook Go starts at $649, with the Intel Core i7 model with 256GB storage and 16GB RAM going up to $1,399.
What is the Pixelbook Go?
Google’s own Chromebooks have always been niche products geared at die-hard Google devotees. Unlike the Pixelbook, the Pixelbook Go appears to be Google’s attempt to cater to general people, with beginning costs that are premium but not extravagant.
There have been a lot of recent Chromebooks in the $500-700 bracket, suggesting Google may have a chance here. In other words, Google isn’t abandoning the high-end, it’s simply offering more configurations to reach more users.
How Can You Get a Pixelbook Go?
UK pre-orders begin in January, while US and Canadian pre-orders begin today. Currently, only the Intel Core m3 64GB with 8GB RAM and the i5 128GB with 8GB RAM are available for purchase, with the rest “coming soon”. There is a waiting list for the i5 model with 128GB storage and 16GB RAM, but no indication on when it will ship.
Models in stock will ship on October 28.
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