Google has pushed its browser-based operating system well beyond the $1,000-device point with its Chromebook Pixel. Here's a look at the high-resolution touch-screen laptop.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Google's Chromebook Pixel laptop has a high-resolution display that shows crisp text and graphics and good color.
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The numbers
The Chromebook Pixel measures 297.7 by 224.6 by 16.2mm.
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Clean text
The Chromebook Pixel's high-resolution display makes text and graphics crisp.
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Sundar Pichai
Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of engineering in charge of Chrome and Google Apps, shows off the touch-screen Chromebook Pixel at an event in San Francisco.
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Lighted letters
A backlit keyboard makes night typing practical.
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Ports and jacks
On the left edge are two USB 2.0 ports, the power jack, a Mini DisplayPort jack, and a combination headphone-microphone jack.
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Resolution
Screen resolution is improved dramatically, as this close-up view comparing a Samsung Chromebook S5 550 and Chromebook Pixel shows.
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SD Card slot
The right edge of the Chromebook Pixel has an SD Card slot. Plugging in a card opens up a window so you can see photos, which automatically start uploading to Google Drive.
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Dedicated search key
The Chromebook Pixel, like all other Chromebooks, has a dedicated search key. It replaces a Caps Lock key, though users can change its behavior to Caps Lock if desired.
