Along with their new Device Store, Google has today finally announced their long anticipated Chromebook Pixel 2. It’s another Halo product, showing exactly what can be done with Chromebook hardware, but as with the first model it’s disappointingly a US-only release.
The hardware is pretty darn exciting though, with Google introducing an update to the processor, offering a choice between Intel Core i5 (clocked at 2.2GHz) and Core i7 (clocked at 2.4Ghz) processors, as well as options for 8GB or 16GB of RAM. Storage too gets options with 32GB or 64GB available and you still get an SD Card slot as well.
The new processors will allow for better battery efficincies which has Google advertising battery life of up to 12 hours – a marked improvement on the 4 hour battery life of the original.
The screen remains the same 3:2 Aspect Ratio, at 12.85″ with a resolution of 2450×1700 – giving it a pixel density of 293PPI and again, it’s touch enabled.
The unit itself is almost identical in looks to the original, with the same aluminium chasis and Piano hinge and weighs in at 1.5Kg.
The Chromebook Pixel 2 also comes with 2x USB Type C connectors – the new reversible style – which is what will be used for charging, as well as connecting to external displays – it actually supports 4K Display out with an optional HDMI or Display Port adapter. The Chromebook Pixel 2 also comes with 2x USB 3.0 Standard A ports.
As with the original it’s not cheap, with the i5 model starting at US$999 while the i7 model starts at US$1,299. You’ll need to jump through some hoops though because it’s US only so you’ll need to fire up your favourite VPN to grab one. For full specs and more head over to the Chromebook Pixel 2 homepage to check it out.
12.85 inch screen. US$999. Why can’t a manufacturer make a Chromebook that’s a normal laptop size – the standard 15.6 inch screen? I’d replace my ageing Windows 7 laptop in an instant. I’d pay A$750 for a mid range full size Chromebook.
Instead we get either low end small, or high end small (the Chromebook Pixel). Oh well, I guess it’s another Windows laptop for me – sigh…
My 14 inch HP Chromebook works quite well and is of a decent size. But yes, I agree. I would like to see more 15.6 inch laptops that run Chrome OS.
oh so want!