Pixelbook
The Pixelbook is a line of high-performance Chromebooks developed by Google, designed to deliver premium hardware integrated with the secure, cloud-centric Chrome OS operating system. Introduced in October 2017, the original Pixelbook was a versatile 2-in-1 convertible device that supported four modes—laptop, tablet, tent, and entertainment—along with stylus input via the optional Pixelbook Pen, emphasizing speed, simplicity, and seamless connectivity with Google services like Assistant and Drive.[1] In October 2019, Google released the Pixelbook Go as a more portable and affordable successor, featuring a lightweight clamshell design optimized for on-the-go use without the convertible hinge.[2] Key hardware highlights of the original Pixelbook include a 12.3-inch Quad HD touchscreen display, Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage, a 10-hour battery life, and an ultra-thin 10.3 mm profile weighing 1.1 kg, making it Google's thinnest and lightest laptop at launch.[1][3] The Pixelbook Go built on this with a 13.3-inch touchscreen (Full HD or 4K Molecular Display), 8th-generation Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processors, up to 12 hours of battery life from a 47 Wh (Full HD) or 56 Wh (4K) battery, and a lightweight build of 1.06 kg (Full HD) or 1.09 kg (4K) and 13 mm thin, available in colors like Just Black and Not Pink with a durable magnesium chassis.[2][4] Both models prioritized user experience through features like fast charging (2 hours of use from 15-20 minutes), backlit keyboards (with "Hush Keys" on the Go for quieter typing), and high-resolution displays supporting 4K external output.[1][2] Running Chrome OS, Pixelbooks offer automatic security updates, virus protection via sandboxing, and offline access to Google apps, while supporting a wide range of Android and Linux applications for versatility in browsing, productivity, and creative tasks.[1][3] The original started at $999, with the Pen at $99, while the Go launched at $649 to broaden accessibility.[1][2] Although no longer available for purchase directly from Google, the devices remain supported with Chrome OS updates until August 2027 for the original and August 2029 for the Pixelbook Go (as of November 2025), ensuring continued functionality for existing users.[5][6][7]History
Development
The Pixelbook line emerged as the successor to Google's Chromebook Pixel series, which included models released in 2013 and 2015 before being discontinued in 2016, marking Google's strategic pivot toward premium ChromeOS hardware designed for broader mainstream appeal.[8] The original Pixelbook, internally codenamed "Eve," began development shortly after the Chromebook Pixel's end, aiming to refine Google's high-end laptop offerings with a focus on elegance and performance.[9] Key decisions during the Pixelbook's development emphasized a hybrid laptop-tablet form factor to enable versatile usage modes, such as tent or tablet configurations, enhancing portability and interaction on ChromeOS.[8] Integration of Google Assistant was a cornerstone, featuring the first dedicated hardware key on a Chromebook and contextual activation via the optional Pixelbook Pen for tasks like querying circled images, thereby deepening AI-driven hardware-software synergy.[10] This approach optimized ChromeOS for seamless Android app support and premium features, positioning the device as a competitive 2-in-1 against established laptops.[8] Development of the Pixelbook Go, codenamed "Atlas," was initiated in early 2018 as a lighter, more affordable successor to the original, shifting away from the full 360-degree hinge and tablet mode in favor of a traditional clamshell design for improved everyday portability.[11] The project, developed alongside a planned convertible variant that was ultimately canceled, retained the emphasis on premium build quality while broadening accessibility.[11] In September 2022, Google dissolved the Pixelbook hardware team as part of broader cost-cutting measures, canceling a next-generation model that had advanced to prototyping for a potential 2023 release and halting future iterations of the line.[12] This decision reflected the maturation of the Chromebook market, where third-party manufacturers increasingly drove ChromeOS adoption, reducing the need for Google's in-house premium hardware efforts.[12]Launch and Release
The original Pixelbook was announced on October 4, 2017, during Google's Made by Google hardware event in San Francisco.[13] Pre-orders opened the same day through the Google Store, with availability initially limited to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.[1] The device became available for shipping on October 31, 2017, in these regions, reflecting a strategy of direct sales via Google's online store and select retailers like Best Buy to control distribution and build early demand.[14] Priced starting at $999 for the base configuration, the Pixelbook was marketed as a premium Chromebook emphasizing high-performance hardware, seamless integration of Google Assistant for AI-driven tasks like voice commands and smart home control, and up to 10 hours of battery life for all-day use.[1][15] Google followed a similar launch approach with the Pixelbook Go, announced on October 15, 2019, as a more portable successor to the original model.[2] Pre-orders began immediately through the Google Store in the United States and Canada, with shipments starting on October 27, 2019, in those markets; the United Kingdom rollout was delayed, with availability beginning on January 15, 2020.[16][17] This phased regional strategy allowed Google to prioritize North American demand while expanding to Europe shortly after, maintaining direct sales through its store to ensure consistent branding and support.[2] Starting at $649 and scaling up to $1,399 for higher-end configurations, the Pixelbook Go was positioned as an accessible premium Chromebook, highlighting its lightweight design, integration with Google Assistant for enhanced productivity, and up to 12 hours of battery life to appeal to mobile users.[18][2]Discontinuation
The original Pixelbook was effectively discontinued in September 2020 when Google removed all models from its online store in the US and UK, leaving them out of stock without any restocking plans. Google did not explicitly confirm the end of the line but emphasized the device's ongoing software support and positioned the Pixelbook Go as its successor.[19] In September 2022, Google canceled development of the next-generation Pixelbook, which was in advanced stages and slated for a potential 2023 release, while dissolving the dedicated hardware team and reassigning its members to other projects. This decision was part of broader cost-cutting initiatives outlined by CEO Sundar Pichai earlier that year, amid a maturing Chromebook market where original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo had established strong premium offerings. Google shifted resources toward its Pixel phone ecosystem and emerging categories such as smartwatches and tablets, reducing the need for in-house laptop development in favor of OEM partnerships for ChromeOS devices.[12][20] The discontinuation marked the end of new Pixelbook models following the 2019 Pixelbook Go, with no subsequent hardware releases from Google's Pixelbook line. While industry observers have speculated on a potential revival tied to ChromeOS's planned shift to an Android kernel—initially announced in June 2024, with further details confirmed in 2025 to enhance performance, AI integration, and cross-device consistency—no official announcements from Google have materialized as of November 2025, and reports as of mid-2025 suggest a new Pixel laptop may be in development, though no official confirmation has been made.[21][22][23]Design and Features
Hardware
The Pixelbook lineup consists of two models with distinct form factors designed for portability and versatility. The original Pixelbook features a convertible design with a 360-degree hinge, enabling it to switch between laptop, tablet, tent, and media modes for flexible usage.[1] In comparison, the Pixelbook Go employs a traditional clamshell form factor with a touchscreen display, prioritizing a slim profile without full tablet conversion capabilities.[2] Both devices emphasize premium displays optimized for touch interaction and media consumption. The original Pixelbook includes a 12.3-inch Quad HD LCD touchscreen with a 2400 × 1600 resolution at 235 pixels per inch, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and offering 400 nits brightness for outdoor visibility.[3] The Pixelbook Go upgrades to a 13.3-inch touchscreen available in Full HD (1920 × 1080 at 166 ppi) or 4K Ultra HD Molecular Display (3840 × 2160 at 331 ppi), covered by Corning Concore Glass for enhanced durability and clarity.[4] Construction across the Pixelbook series focuses on lightweight, robust materials to balance portability and premium feel. The original model utilizes an aluminum unibody chassis measuring 10.3 mm thick and weighing 1.11 kg (2.45 lbs).[3] The Pixelbook Go refines this with a finely painted magnesium alloy body at 13.4 mm thick and weights of 1.06 kg (2.3 lbs) for the Full HD variant or 1.09 kg (2.4 lbs) for the 4K model.[4] Color options reflect minimalist aesthetics: the original in Silver, and the Pixelbook Go in Just Black or Not Pink.[3][4] Core processing power in the Pixelbook line relies on Intel's low-power Y-series chips for efficient performance in a fanless design. The original Pixelbook is equipped with 7th-generation Intel Core i5-7Y57 or i7-7Y75 processors.[3] The Pixelbook Go advances to 8th-generation options, including the Core m3-8100Y, i5-8200Y, or i7-8500Y.[4] Memory configurations are consistent at 8 GB or 16 GB LPDDR3 RAM across both models to support multitasking.[3][4] Storage varies by model and capacity: the original offers 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB NVMe SSD options, while the Pixelbook Go provides 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB SSD variants.[3][4] Battery life and connectivity emphasize all-day usage and modern interfaces. The original Pixelbook has a 41 Wh battery delivering up to 10 hours of mixed use, with a 45 W USB-C charger enabling two hours from a 15-minute fast charge.[3] The Pixelbook Go extends this to up to 12 hours via a 47 Wh battery in the Full HD configuration or 56 Wh in the 4K version, also supporting 45 W USB-C fast charging for two hours from 20 minutes.[24] Both include two USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports for charging, data transfer, and 4K display output, plus a 3.5 mm headphone jack.[3][4]| Specification | Original Pixelbook | Pixelbook Go |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Convertible (360° hinge) | Clamshell (touchscreen) |
| Display | 12.3" 2400×1600 Gorilla Glass 3 | 13.3" FHD or 4K Concore Glass |
| Build Material | Aluminum unibody | Magnesium alloy |
| Weight | 2.45 lbs | 2.3 lbs (FHD) / 2.4 lbs (4K) |
| Colors | Silver | Just Black, Not Pink |
| Processor | Intel 7th Gen Core i5/i7 (Y-series) | Intel 8th Gen Core m3/i5/i7 (Y-series) |
| RAM | 8 GB / 16 GB LPDDR3 | 8 GB / 16 GB LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB NVMe SSD | 64/128/256 GB SSD |
| Battery | 41 Wh (up to 10 hrs) | 47/56 Wh (up to 12 hrs) |
| Ports | 2× USB-C, 3.5 mm jack | 2× USB-C, 3.5 mm jack |