Chromebook Pixel

amazon Chromebook Pixel reviews

1. Hardware and design

Chromebook Pixel is a beautifully designed computer, high-end materials and top-quality building that scream “high-end” from edge to edge. We’ve finally begun to see some lower-level Chromebooks climb in the design and build quality areas – namely the original HP Chromebook 11 (although it’s simply too slow to introduce. And ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook (which is robust and built but not exactly sleek) – and that’s a very good thing. In fact, that’s a big part of what Google finally tried to accomplish by creating pixels in the first place.

Pixel’s backlit keyboard and carved glass trackpad are also unheard of in their high-end nature. Typing and navigation is a completely different experience on this laptop than any other Chromebook (and, for that matter, on most non-Chrome OS laptops, too).

2. Display

Display – Pixel 12.85-in, IPS screen 2560 x 1700 like candy for your eyes. Most Chromebook screens (yes, even those offering 1080p resolution) still use the TN junky panel. The two exceptions are the systems mentioned above – HP 11 and ThinkPad Yoga 11e – but while displaying “high ruling devices in the under $ 500 price categories, their low resolution is unsuitable Pixel crystal clear image quality.

where can you get a Chromebook Pixel online

Super Google Chromebook Pixel 2013 (4G LTE) Touch Screen 12.85″ 2560×1700 3:2 LCD i5-3427U 4GB DDR3 64GB SSD 3.4lbs Ultraportable: Buy it now

Google Chromebook Pixel 2013 (WiFi) with 12.85″ LCD Display Intel i5-3427U 4GB DDR3 RAM and 32GB SSD: Buy it now

Google Chromebook Pixel 64GB Wifi + 4G LTE Laptop 12.85″ WQXGA Touch Screen and Core i5 1.8GHz Processor: Buy it now

3. Stamina and performance

About five hours each charge, Pixel’s battery life is good but not exceptional – especially compared to the 8 to 10 hours we’re seeing on some systems these days. As I was pondering before, endurance is Achilles’ heel of Pixel.

Performance is where things get particularly interesting: When the first pixel appears, its capacity is unprecedented for a Chrome OS device. I can actually use the system in my typical use insulator, with a myriad of windows and tabs running at once and without delay or distortion multitasking. Compared to the slow-running Chrome OS system, we’ve seen to that point, it feels like an official miracle.

The performance of Pixel is impressive, but what is changing is that other Chrome OS systems have come close to catching up. These days, you can get solid performance in a Chromebook for around $ 200 with different Haswell-based systems. The newer Core i3 devices give you a bit more content for around $ 300. Not quite reaching the Pixel’s level of snappiness and speed, but in fact they are not too far behind.

So most people, taken alone are no longer a reason to own Pixel. This is an important part of the Pixel, sure, but if that’s the only thing you care about, you’ll do better to save yourself the cash and get a lower level Chromebook with a good inside.

One reason to own Pixel, then what? Simple: to enjoy a top-of-the-line Chrome OS experience with all the amenities you may require. The quality of the hardware and design hardware, keyboard and trackpad, speakers, and display adds up to create a great overall user experience without any other Chromebook that might fit.

For whether it is worth the price, that’s the only question you can answer. Is a high-end luxury car on a reliable sedan but less luxurious? For a person like me, maybe not. But for car enthusiasts, spending a lot of time in a car and appreciating high quality.

The same concept applies here. Pixels are still a great luxury option for users selling on the Chrome OS concept – people like me rely heavily on cloud storage and spend most of their time using the Web application and service center.

Just like with any luxury item, the quality level of the pixel definitely delivers not what anyone needs, but its special nature is something a lot of us will Enjoy.

Battery Life

Longevity and Charging

The Chromebook Pixel is equipped with a 44WHr lithium-ion battery, which provides a typical battery life of approximately 5 to 7 hours under moderate use. The actual battery life will vary depending on factors such as screen brightness, workload, and power management settings. The battery life is sufficient for a full workday or a few hours of continuous use, making the Chromebook Pixel suitable for portable use.

The device supports standard charging speeds, with no rapid charging technology available. Charging times may vary depending on the power source and usage during charging. The Chromebook Pixel’s battery performance is comparable to other devices in its category, though it may not match the extended battery life offered by some competing models.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Keyboard Layout and Comfort

The Chromebook Pixel features a well-designed keyboard with a chiclet-style layout. The keys are well-spaced and offer a good amount of travel, contributing to a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The keyboard is backlit, making it easy to type in low-light conditions.

The typing experience on the Chromebook Pixel is generally positive, with a tactile and satisfying feel. The keyboard’s design emphasizes comfort and usability, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions. The backlighting adds convenience for users who work in various lighting conditions.

Touchpad

The Chromebook Pixel is equipped with a large, responsive touchpad that supports multi-touch gestures. The touchpad surface is smooth and precise, allowing for accurate cursor control and gesture recognition. The touchpad supports common gestures such as scrolling, zooming, and swiping, enhancing the overall user experience.

The touchpad includes dedicated left and right buttons, providing distinct feedback for clicking. The buttons are well-placed and offer a comfortable clicking experience. Overall, the touchpad on the Chromebook Pixel is functional and provides a good level of responsiveness and ease of use.

Connectivity

Ports and Slots

The Chromebook Pixel offers a selection of ports and connectivity options, though its port selection is relatively limited compared to some other laptops. The available ports typically include:

• 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A: For connecting external devices with faster data transfer speeds.
• 1 x USB-C: For charging and connecting to external devices or displays.
• 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack: For connecting headphones or external microphones.
• 1 x SD Card Reader: For expanding storage or transferring files from SD cards.

The port selection reflects the Chromebook Pixel’s emphasis on simplicity and modern connectivity. The inclusion of USB-C provides versatility for charging and connecting to external peripherals. However, the limited number of USB ports and the absence of HDMI or Ethernet ports may require users to use adapters or docking stations for additional connectivity.

Wireless Connectivity

The Chromebook Pixel supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. The Wi-Fi standard provides reliable wireless connectivity, though it is not as fast or capable as the newer Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard found in more recent models. Bluetooth 4.0 support allows for connection to wireless peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headphones.

Audio Quality

Speaker Performance

The Chromebook Pixel features built-in stereo speakers located on the laptop’s underside. The audio quality is adequate for basic multimedia consumption, including watching videos and listening to music. The speakers produce clear sound at moderate volume levels, though they may lack depth and bass.

For users who require better audio quality, external speakers or headphones can be connected via the headphone/microphone combo jack. The laptop’s audio performance is suitable for everyday use but may fall short for users seeking a more immersive audio experience.

Microphone

The built-in microphone on the Chromebook Pixel is designed for basic voice input, such as video calls and voice recordings. The microphone performs adequately for typical use, though it may not provide the same level of clarity and noise-cancellation found in higher-end models. Users requiring superior audio quality may prefer to use an external microphone for better performance.

User Experience and Feedback

Performance and Reliability

The Chromebook Pixel is generally well-received for its performance and reliability. Users appreciate its high-resolution display, solid build quality, and smooth integration with Google’s ecosystem of services. The combination of a premium design and responsive performance makes it a desirable choice for users who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality.

However, some users may find the performance of the Chromebook Pixel to be limited compared to more powerful laptops. The device is well-suited for typical web-based tasks and light productivity work, but it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking scenarios. Additionally, the limited storage capacity may require users to rely heavily on cloud storage.

Common Issues

While the Chromebook Pixel generally performs well, there are a few common issues reported by users:

• Limited Port Selection: The laptop’s port selection is relatively minimal, which can be inconvenient for users who require additional connectivity options. The lack of HDMI and Ethernet ports may necessitate the use of adapters or docking stations for certain use cases.
• Battery Life: The battery life of the Chromebook Pixel, while adequate for moderate use, may fall short for users who require extended battery performance. Users may need to recharge more frequently during heavy use or long travel periods.
• Heat and Fan Noise: Some users have reported that the Chromebook Pixel can become warm during extended use, and the fan may generate noticeable noise. This is not uncommon for laptops, but it may be a consideration for users who prefer a quieter computing environment.

Comparison with Competitors

Chromebook Pixel vs. Google Pixelbook

The Google Pixelbook, released in 2017, is a direct successor to the Chromebook Pixel and offers several improvements and upgrades over the original model:

• Processor and Performance: The Pixelbook features more powerful Intel Core processors and improved performance compared to the original Chromebook Pixel. This results in a faster and more capable computing experience.
• Display: The Pixelbook offers a higher resolution and improved display quality compared to the original Pixel. It also features a 360-degree hinge, allowing the device to function as both a laptop and a tablet.
• Battery Life: The Pixelbook offers extended battery life compared to the original Chromebook Pixel, making it more suitable for long-term use without frequent recharging.

Chromebook Pixel vs. HP Chromebook 14

The HP Chromebook 14 is a budget-friendly alternative to the Chromebook Pixel and offers several contrasting features:

• Display: The HP Chromebook 14 features a larger 14-inch display with a lower resolution compared to the Chromebook Pixel. While the larger screen may be beneficial for some users, the lower resolution may result in less sharp visuals.
• Build Quality: The HP Chromebook 14 is generally more affordable and may not match the premium build quality and materials of the Chromebook Pixel. It is designed with a focus on affordability rather than high-end craftsmanship.
• Performance: The HP Chromebook 14 is equipped with lower-end processors and less memory compared to the Chromebook Pixel. This results in lower performance, particularly for more demanding tasks or multitasking scenarios.

Chromebook Pixel vs. Dell Chromebook 13

The Dell Chromebook 13 offers a competitive alternative to the Chromebook Pixel with some notable differences:

• Processor and Performance: The Dell Chromebook 13 features similar or slightly more advanced processors compared to the original Chromebook Pixel. This may result in improved performance for certain tasks.
• Display: The Dell Chromebook 13 offers a full HD display (1920 x 1080) with good color accuracy and brightness. While it may not match the Chromebook Pixel’s resolution, it still provides a high-quality viewing experience.
• Build Quality: The Dell Chromebook 13 is built with a focus on durability and performance, though it may not have the same premium materials or design elements as the Chromebook Pixel. It is designed to offer a balance between performance and affordability.

Conclusion

The Chromebook Pixel represents a bold effort by Google to redefine the Chromebook category with a focus on premium design, high-resolution display, and seamless integration with cloud-based services. Its sleek design, robust build quality, and impressive display make it a standout choice for users who value aesthetics and functionality.

While the Chromebook Pixel’s performance and storage capacity may be limited compared to some other devices, it excels in providing a smooth and enjoyable computing experience for everyday tasks. The integration with Google’s services, combined with the high-resolution display and solid build quality, offers a compelling value proposition for users who prioritize a high-quality computing experience.

Overall, the Chromebook Pixel is a testament to Google’s vision for Chromebooks and remains a relevant choice for users seeking a premium device with a focus on design and cloud-based computing. Its legacy continues to influence the development of modern Chromebooks, and its enduring appeal reflects its success in achieving its design and performance goals.