The Chromebook Pixel with LTE, which we just reviewed this morning, will finally ship on April 8. The device runs $1449 for those with an extra pile or two of cash lying around. In our review, we had mostly positive things to say about the hardware, but the lacking Chrome OS software makes this price seem insanely high. You can pack all of the high-end displays, keyboards, and etched-glass touchpads you want into a device, but if it’s just a glorified browser, it’ll be tough to justify it at any premium price level.

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Via:  Engadget

Chromebook Pixel With LTE Ships by April 8! is a post from: Droid Life

So I’ve had the Chromebook Pixel (initial impressions) in my possession for just over three weeks now, an amount of time I’d consider to be quite substantial in terms of being able to put some final thoughts about it on paper. While my job is to review phones, tablets, apps, and their accompanying accessories for a living, this is a product that caused enough of a stir being made by Google and all, that I figured it was worth a look. With that said, I don’t typically review computers, so I’m actually going to keep this pretty short and sweet while putting together the whole thing from the Pixel itself. There won’t be a series of benchmarks or any of that ultra-technical jargon, just basic usability talk from my point of view. If you have read most of the early reviews, then I’ll just say right now that my opinions aren’t going to differ much. Let’s dive into it. 

Review Unit Specs

Google sent me the LTE version of the Chromebook Pixel to review. This model runs $1449, compared to the $1299 WiFi version, because it contains an LTE chip and double the solid state storage. Inside you’ll also find a 12.85″ 400 nit multi-touch display (2560×1700) with 178-degree viewing angles, backlit keyboard, etched-glass trackpad, HD webcam, two USB ports, mini-display port, 2-in-1 card reader, Intel Core i5 processor (dual-core 1.8GHz), 4GB RAM, 64 solid state hard drive (32GB in WiFi version), 59Wh battery, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, and a weight of 3.35lbs.

Hardware

• Design:  The Chromebook Pixel is easily the best looking and overall best made Chromebook to date. Google was trying to take Chromebook design to the next level by using some of the highest quality materials available and completely succeeded. The all-aluminum exterior with its piano hinge are nothing short of beautiful for a laptop. While nothing in particular about the rectangular body will “wow” you from a distance, it most certainly will once it has been placed in your hand. The Pixel is the perfect weight – not too light, definitely not too heavy. The lid can be opened with a single finger, the lines couldn’t get any cleaner, and the subtle grey differences from the touchpad to the Chrome logos are tastefully on point. When you pick up the Pixel and carry it across the room, you know immediately that this product is premium.

• Display:  The ridiculously high-resolution touch display on the Pixel is second to none. At 2560×1700 and with 239ppi, there are no better displays in the laptop business. Google swung for the fences and connected. The only problem I had with the display is that it’s almost too good. Browse around the internet for a few minutes and you quickly realize that the internet is not built for a pixel density this high. With that said, you can tell in a split second whether or not a photograph you just took is good or terrible. It’s completely unforgiving – and that’s not a bad thing in this situation. The only other minor issue I had, is with the display being touch-sensitive. While I’m all for having a touchscreen laptop, there are few uses for it at this time. Chrome OS isn’t built like Windows 8, that almost begs you to touch things. Google is likely hoping that this gives developers incentive to build out apps and add-ons that can utilize a beautiful touch display, but at this time, there isn’t much outside of Cut the Rope or Angry Birds that can take advantage of it. Sure, you can pinch-to-zoom (once enabled in Chrome flags) in browser, but how often have you ever wanted to do that anyway on your current laptop? On few occasions have I found myself touching the display on the Pixel, even when scrolling through a website. At this stage, it’s still quicker and more comfortable to do a two-finger swipe on the touchpad.
• Speakers:  Holy speakers. Best speakers in the laptop business? I’d say so. The speakers are inserted under the keyboard so that they give off “clarity” and “deliver lifelike audio.” They deliver and then some. You’ll find yourself cranking the speakers up just because of the volume level shock value, but then settling into something towards the bottom of the volume bar, as that’s all you’ll need. Crank them up loud enough and you may even get a slight hand massage while you wrap up a work email or two. I’m not kidding – the speakers in the Pixel put all of that HP-Beats partnership marketing gimmick to shame. This is how you do portable sound in a computer.
• Touchpad:  The Pixel’s touchpad is made of etched glass which has been “analyzed and honed using a laser microscope” to aid in smoothness and accuracy. I don’t claim to be some sort of touchpad expert, but it’s not bad nor has it blown me away. It’s definitely soft to the touch, feels great as you swipe across it, and is very accurate and responsive. The click on it, does drive me nuts, though. It’s way too loud for my liking. I like my touchpads to click, but so that only I know that I’ve clicked it. With the Pixel, when sitting near others, I found myself trying to soften the click as it otherwise came off as distracting. Overall, I actually prefer the touchpad in my Macbook Pro over the Pixel’s.

• Keyboard:  The backlit chicklet-style keyboard on the Pixel is easily on-par if not better than that of my Macbook Pro. The keys don’t sit up quite as high as the Macbook, so I actually feel like I’m slightly faster at typing on the Pixel. The keybord is backlit, though the light is much more reserved than you would find on other laptops. It lights up, but won’t blind you or seem like the light is bleeding out from under the keys.
• Battery life:  The 59Wh battery in the Pixel is rated at up to 5 hours, but I don’t necessarily know that I’ve ever squeezed that much out of it. While I don’t have exact numbers for you, I’ll just say that it has issues during sleep from what I can tell. The Pixel actually lacks any power management (at least I couldn’t find any) other than a slider to control brightness. It’ll constantly tell you how much life it thinks it has left, but I ran into issues after simply closing the lid and walking away for a couple of hours. Sure, it’ll wake almost immediately, however, leaving it idle with the lid closed and unplugged from the charger didn’t seem to actually put the device into a proper sleep which in turn meant the battery was eating away by the minute. I’d say that I averaged anywhere from 3-4 hours on a full charge with brightness about half-way up the slider. Not bad, not that great either.

Software

Everything you have heard about Chrome OS is probably true. It’s an operating system that is essentially…a browser. Over the last year or so, Google has tried to make it look and operate more like a traditional operating system with windows, an appbar, and notification tray, but in the end, it’s still a browser-based operating system. All that means is that Google wants you to use “apps” built for Chrome that open as new tabs in a Chrome browser.

For example, I use Pixlr to do photo editing on the Pixel, but when I open it, there isn’t a new window or an app that loads, it just opens a new tab that then acts as an in-browser cloud photo editor. I also installed Weatherbug, which shows in my app drawer as if it were an app, but tapping on it simply opens a new tab and a fancy Weatherbug UI (in the browser). It’s still technically an app, just not like you are used to. These aren’t really stand-alone apps as they are add-ons to the Chrome browser (if that makes sense).

So with apps that load within a browser, there are limitations. As another example, I can’t control my in-home Sonos system on the Pixel because there is no Sonos Chrome app. I cannot plug my Nike Fuelband in and have it sync, as Nike has yet (and likely never will if Android is any indicator) to build a sync function or app for Chrome. Video editing is also non-existent unless you use something like WeVideo which is a cloud-based video editor that first asks you to upload the video before you can actually do anything with it. If you use chat or IRC clients, they open as new tabs, not as an app in the traditional sense.

It’s a lot like Android was in the beginning when everyone complained about a lack of apps. But taking that step further, I would almost argue that it’s worse and may never get better. Take Dropbox and Box as examples. Why would either build out a special app for Chrome, when all it wants to do is open them in the browser anyway? They already have web clients that they have spent countless hours on. And not that Dropbox or Box have bad web experiences, but when you run through the Chrome appstore, find Dropbox, hit the “install” button, you want the satisfaction of knowing that you actually got something for your efforts. In reality, you got nothing but a shortcut installed in your app drawer that opens Dropbox in a new tab. And it’s like this for many apps. Why not just utilize the good ol’ fashioned bookmark bar? It’s quicker.

Chrome OS does have a file manager of sorts, but it’s as bare-bones as it gets. It connects to your Google Drive account and also shows the few files that it wants you to actually store on the computer. You’ll also find stand-alone calculator, camera, and scratchpad apps.

As a browser, though, it’s awesome. It’s Chrome, just like on your current computer. It’s incredibly fast. And if you login with your Google account, it syncs bookmarks, passwords, and anything else that you have running through your other Chrome browsers from phone to PC to laptop to tablet. It’ll even pull in your extensions to make the entire experience seamless.

Everything Cloud

If you want to move to a Chromebook you have to be ready to fully commit to the cloud. Even the LTE model only has a 64GB solid state drive inside. That’s nothing when you consider that most laptops these days come with at least a 256GB solid state drive or a traditional hard drive with a minimum 500GB of storage. Google wants you to forget those days, though, and instead save everything in Chrome apps to the web. When you purchase a Pixel they hand you 1TB of Google Drive storage for a 3-year period as a gesture to move you towards the cloud. This should easily cover your photo dumps, video storage needs, and document backlog. You just have to get used to the idea of not having it with you at all times unless you use a service that allows for offline editing or plan to be connected to the internet 24-7.

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Final Thoughts

For someone like me, who considers themselves to be somewhat of a power user, the Chromebook Pixel would never work on a full-time basis. With that said, if my life could live 100% in a browser, it would probably be a fabulous device. The size is just right for a portable computer, the specs are the best we’ve seen from a Chromebook to date, and in some ways beat even the best traditional laptops on the planet. The display is amazing, the style of the device is clean yet industrial, the speakers have blown me away, there is enough power under the hood to handle a workload, and the keyboard ranks with the best of them.

With that said, if you want traditional apps that aren’t just shortcuts to websites, long battery life, or a reasonable price, this probably isn’t for you either. Great job on the hardware, Google. Unfortunately, Chrome OS is still Chrome OS.

Chromebook Pixel Review is a post from: Droid Life

One of the biggest selling points of the Chromebook lineup was supposed to be the dependable battery life, thanks to the light Chrome operating system and hardware. When Acer launched their take on the Chromebook a few weeks back, it was criticized for the fact that it only came with 3-4 hours of advertised battery life. Acer took that criticism to heart and is now releasing an upgraded C7 laptop with better specs. 

The first thing that Acer tackled was the battery life, moving up to a 6-cell battery array that promises a workable 6 hours of battery life. Next up was the RAM, which they ended up doubling to 4GB. All of these specs only raises the cost $80 over the original C7 to $280. Certainly a bargain when you compare it to the $1,300 Pixel that was announced recently.

Does a Chromebook at this price with lesser specs interest you more than the crazy-expensive Pixel?

Via: TechnoBuffalo

Acer Gives Their C7 Chromebook a Bump in Specs, Battery Life and Speed Improved is a post from: Droid Life

After Google announced the Chrombook Pixel last week, there were generally two reactions – one of initial excitement over the specs, high-res touch display, and build quality, followed by a second  that usually included a, “Holy sh*t, how much does it cost?” I have to admit that those two thoughts sum up my initial reactions perfectly. But because the device surprised so many and is in some ways very polarizing, we thought we’d take a look at in anyway. Google has released this device hoping that other Chromebook manufacturers use this as motivation to build better products. Over the next couple of weeks, I hope to find out if that will happen. 

My initial impressions are mostly captured in the video below, but I will say that it’s clear from the beginning that this device is nothing short of premium. While we can argue all day over whether or not any Chrome OS device should be priced this high, the hardware alone matches up what we consider to be a top tier device in the notebook category. The display is incredible, the backlit keyboard feels great while typing, the design is beautiful, and the overall feel should please almost anyone with a craving for new technology.

Check out the rest of my thoughts, including a full unboxing below.

Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

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First Look and Overview of the Chromebook Pixel is a post from: Droid Life

Not sure what else to say. Maybe next year it’ll be a phone.

A little late night discussion – take it wherever you please.

Google Finally Released a New Nexus With Verizon LTE, Except It’s a Chromebook is a post from: Droid Life

Google just announced the Chromebook Pixel, a device that was originally thought to be an internet myth or joke. After reading through the press release, let’s just say that this is far from a joke or myth – it’s the real deal and looks amazing. It has a beautiful 12.85″ Gorilla Glass touch display with 239ppi (2560 x 1700), the highest pixel density of any laptop screen on the market. The Pixel also sports an Intel i5 processor, 4G LTE (from Verizon), and as is the case with all Chromebooks, is built for the cloud. There is a backlit keyboard, two USB 2.0 ports, mini-display port, 2-in1 card reader, 4GB RAM, 32/64GB solid state drive, headphone jack, microphone, and should last for 5 hours with active use.

The Pixel is already available on Google Play starting at $1299 for the WiFi-only version, with the LTE model dropping in at $1449.

The news just dropped, so we’ll flag this as “developing” until we can fully immerse ourselves in the announcement.

In the mean time, watch the video below. 

Google Play Links:  WiFi version ($1299) | 4G LTE version ($1449)

Developing…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via:  Google Blog | Pixel

Google Announces the Chromebook Pixel, No We Aren’t Trolling You is a post from: Droid Life

Update:  Google announced the Chromebook Pixel this afternoon, making their first touchscreen Chromebook official.

Remember the video that surfaced at the beginning of February that was said to be Google’s new touchscreen Chromebook called the Pixel? You know, the concept promo clip that was later debunked as being mostly garbage, and a publicity ploy from someone looking for internet attention? Let’s just say that while that video may not be real, a touchscreen device running Chrome OS certainly does make sense, especially with Microsoft fully attacking the touchscreen laptop market with Windows 8. According to a report out of the Wall Street Journal, Google has already begun developing a touchscreen solution for Chrome OS that will be made available some time later this year. 

We will likely see Chrome OS laptops with touchscreens along with hybrid devices that have detachable faces or foldable bodies that can essentially be used as Chrome OS tablets. No word yet on manufacturing partners or a release time frame other than some point in 2013.

Touch devices are the way of the future, so if Google wants to continue to push Chrome OS, they need to get into the touchscreen game sooner rather than later. They have seen some success in schools, businesses, and government offices, but the mainstream consumer has yet to fully buy into an operating system based off of Google’s popular browser. Adding touch or making devices into hybrids that act as tablets is way to bridge that gap.

We’re sort of curious as to what this means for Android or if it means anything at all. Android is the future gold mine for Google, but that doesn’t mean they should stay out of the consumer PC market either.

Via:  Wall Street Journal

Cheers 

Report: Google Already Working on Touchscreen Chromebooks to be Sold This Year is a post from: Droid Life

Last night on the Droid Life Show, we talked about Chromebooks and why people might be hesitant about diving head first into the platform. One of the main complaints was the lack of power to do work that other, more beefy laptops could. However, it seems that Google plans on packing a bit more punch in an upcoming rumored Chromebook. Chrome Story found hints of a new Chromebook in the code base today that looks to use the Tegra 4 processor. 

What’s even more interesting is that deep in the code for this new ARM Chromebook, mentions of “android” were found. This is work-in-progress code from an unannounced device, but the thought that Android and Chromebook could be converging at some point is a pretty exciting one.

Would integration with Android make you think about getting a Chromebook at some point?

Via: Chrome Story

Hints of a New Tegra 4 Based Chromebook Rise, Android Mentions Found in the Code is a post from: Droid Life

We have a new Chromebook to add to the family tree this morning. Teaming with HP, Google announced the HP Pavilion 14, starting at $329.99. The device features a 14″ 1366 x 768 HD display, is powered by a 1.1GHz Intel Celeron 847 processor, offers of 2GB of DDR3 RAM, and gets up to four hours and fifteen minutes of battery life.

If you are into or want to get started with the Chrome OS, you can pick up one of these starting today right from HP’s site.

Buy.

Via: Google

Google and HP Team Up for New Chromebook, Dubbed the HP Pavilion 14 is a post from: Droid Life

Google has rebooted their Chromebook series within the past few months with two new models for us to get our hands on, but rumor has it that they aren’t stopping there. According to DigiTimes, there is evidence pointing towards a new 12.85″ Chromebook coming out next year that will feature a screen that is touch sensitive. This all brings back memories of the Chrome OS tablet that was supposedly going to be launched, but Google seems to have found a better idea. 

Releasing a Chrome tablet in competition with Android tablets would have certainly failed, but you can imagine a touchscreen being implemented on the Chromebook easily. Throw in a flippable screen like Windows 8 laptops are using now and keep the low price and you’ve got yourself a nifty little device.

Would you be interested in a touchscreen Chromebook?

Via: Android Headlines

Google Planning to Launch 12.85″ Touchscreen Chromebook Next Year? is a post from: Droid Life

Moments ago, Google unveiled their newest partnership with Acer to introduce the all new Acer C7 Chromebook. Having a new Chromebook is awesome, but what’s even more insane is the price tag. Priced at just $199, the device sports a 11.6″ display, capable of up to 3.5 hours of battery life. Sure, you’ll need to bring your charger with you everywhere you go, but that is still pretty great for those who are in the market for an ultra-portable computing device.

The C7 goes on sale starting tomorrow directly on Google Play and at Best Buy.

So, $199 for a Chromebook that stays alive for 3.5 hours. Picking one up?

Acer C7 Landing Page

Via: Google

Google Intros New Acer C7 Chromebook, Priced at an Extremely Low $199 is a post from: Droid Life

When news broke of Google’s relaunch of the Chromebook last week, a lot of readers were excited about the low $250 price point. For $250, you get a dual-core Exynos 5 processor and almost 7 hours of battery life, all in a package that is under .8″ thick. 

The goal behind Chrome OS is pretty brilliant. Google has taken their super popular Chrome browser, and made it the base for an operating system. When in use, while there is a newly introduced window system with app icons, almost all of your work is done via tabs and Chrome apps in the browser. It’s not confusing or robust like a traditional computer, but again, that’s the beauty here.

If you are looking to pick one of these up I’d suggest getting your order in early. The Nexus 7 went through a bit of a shortage when it first launched, so expecting the same to happen here couldn’t hurt you.

Is anyone going to pick one up?

Buy.

Google’s New Chromebook Lands in Play Store, Delivers in 3-5 Days for $250 is a post from: Droid Life

Google’s Chrome OS and Chromebook have had a bumpy life so far, but their latest announcement today might increase sales in the right direction. Samsung and Google have gotten together for another Chromebook, but kept the price to a low $250. The 11.6″ laptop is only .8″ thick and has a 6.5-hour battery life. A dual-core Samsung Exynos processor powers the device which can muster up 1080p playback as well. 

But the memory is what sets Chromebooks apart, or the lack thereof. It comes packed with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of Flash memory. Google is betting on the cloud with these laptops, offering you 100GB of Google Drive space for 2 years so you can save all your pictures and files directly to the cloud. Google even mentioned that these laptops would have Google Now integration which would be very interesting on something other than a tablet or mobile phone.

Pre-orders start today at Amazon and PC-World, but if you want to wait you can buy it soon directly from the Play Store or other retailers. What do you think? Does this price pack enough specs to get you interested? Or are you not ready for the cloud yet?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: Google

Google Announces the “New” Chromebook, $250 Price Tag Might Give it Second Life is a post from: Droid Life

Today, Google unveiled the next generation of Chrome OS-based devices they have built with their partner Samsung. The new 550 series of Chromebooks are faster and built with portability in mind, while on the other hand, the Chromebox is exactly what a wired-in Chrome-lover would use as a permanent fixture either at the home or office. With Google’s new Chrome UI, accessing the web, applications/games , and Drive files has never been easier. 

In accordance with this launch, Google is teaming up with Best Buy stores to display the new devices for people to have a first hand experience with the newly revamped OS. Need to get your hands on one today? You can pick up a new Chromebox today at Amazon for just $330.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: Google

Google Announces Next Step for the Chrome OS, the Samsung Chromebox is a post from: Droid Life