Google Chromebook Review Pixel [FW Labs]

In February 2013, Google made ​​a surprise move: Chromebook laptop Pixel released a high-end notebook that seeks to establish the standard of what they can achieve different manufacturers with Chrome OS, the operating system from the company that brings life to this team and the entire category “Chromebook”.

Beyond the fact that Google has designed and manufactured its own notebook by 100% impressed with the inclusion of a unique 12.8-inch screen resolution of 2560 x 1700 pixels, giving a density of 239 dots per inch (ppi), the highest definition is so far in the market.

Other than that, find technical specifications similar to those of a ultrabook Intel Core i5 1.8GHz, 4GB RAM, Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage via SSD. But perhaps most important of all is the physical layout of the computer and showing high quality manufacturing that seeks to establish a new standard in the industry.

Could it be the standard that Google wants to chromebooks? While Pixel has many virtues, it also has unforgivable flaws that make us doubt his success as a commercial product and even as a concept, committing errors that go beyond the team itself and refer to foreign decisions taken within Google.

Video Review

We received the Pixel, we look, and we have it in our hands and immediately realize that we are facing the best built laptop that we have had to review.

The body is made from a single piece of aluminum which gives it a unique strength to the structure, dark gray also looks elegant and gives a category team rarely seen. This firmness is associated to a weight of 1.5 kg which is not the lightest on the market, but not enough to be uncomfortable to carry. Yes highlights the total thickness of 16mm, making it as thin as the best of the ultrabooks Intel, also competing in that category.

But the details are what attracted the most attention and care realize that Google made ​​when creating this device: the logos of the word “Chrome” plated or colored light at the top of the monitor, are things that perfectly could be omitted but give it the touch of quality to this device.

The design is very sober and looking not takes ownership to what really matters: the screen. Because this panel is 12.85 inches which has a higher density of pixels of the market, and we have 236 dots per inch (ppi), i.e. more than double that seen on conventional 13-inch screen (113ppi) and more that 220ppi MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina Display.

Needless to say that the definition of colors and viewing angles on the screen are optimal, allowing to see the monitor from any point without loss or distortion of color. Also the brightness is quite strong, adjusting automatically according to ambient light thanks to the integrated light sensor.

Both elements, design and display, are the best made ​​in the Pixel, highlighting above all the competition (yes, all) and setting the new benchmark for which all other notebook manufacturers should achieve: quality materials, precision fit , attention to detail and understated elegance that creates desires to have it in their hands and obviously buy it.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Continuing on the path of positive aspects, Pixel keyboard is as good as the display itself. It is backlit and provides full-sized keys very comfortable to use, easy to learn distribution and superior run dedicated buttons for direct access to several functions: screen brightness, volume and web navigation tools like the keys back, forward and refresh the page.

On the other hand, the trackpad is a single smooth surface with no buttons, which supports multi-touch gestures like zooming and scrolling with two fingers simultaneously. The material chosen is smooth and easy movement was again one of the best we’ve had so far.

Software and operating system

Google launched the Pixel not a universal offer to compete in the category of notebooks, but as a dial tone for the rest of the manufacturers who make devices that fall into the category chromebook. For that, the computers must use the Chrome OS operating system, the same one that gives life to the Pixel.