Andre Yoskowitz
21 Feb 2013 22:06
Google has introduced their new 'Pixel' Chromebook today, featuring the "highest resolution screen that's ever been shipped on a laptop."
To that effect, the screen has a 239 ppi, beating out Apple's Retina Display and its 220 ppi.
Google SVP of Chrome and Apps Sundar Pichai says the Pixel will be a reference device for Google's hardware partners and also be aimed at power users.
Under the hood is an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB DDR3 RAM, integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, Dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0 and a backlit keyboard. The device features a 12.85-inch 2560 x 1700 touch-sensitive Gorilla Glass screen and weighs 3.35 pounds, on par with other Chromebooks.
Google partnered with Verizon to offer 100MB per month free LTE connectivity built-in, and the company is giving 1TB of free Google Drive storage for three years. That storage would cost over $500. The device has two USB ports, a mini-display port and a 2-in-1 card reader.
Additionally, Google is integrating QuickOffice into ChromeOS starting in April, allowing for native editing of Word and Excel documents instead of the need for conversion to Google Apps format.
With all the bonuses, the device is still priced competitively at $1299 for the 32GB Wi-Fi-only version and $1499 for the LTE 64GB model.