Google today unveiled a touchscreen version of its web-based laptop series, the Google Chromebook Pixel. The new model is a serious upgrade from the typically low budget series, particularly for the screen.
"It is, indeed, an extremely high-end laptop -- by far the fanciest Chromebook to date, with specs that would be impressive if it were a Windows Ultrabook or a Mac," writes Time.
"4.3 million pixels -- each invisible to the unaided eye -- work together to deliver crisp text, vivid colors, and extra wide viewing angles, says Google. "The 12.85" screen has the highest pixel density of any laptop, and a 3:2 photographic format designed for the web puts every one of those pixels to good use."
Add to that the functionality of a touchscreen and Google has created an interesting hybrid of tablet and notebook features.
"Google is providing some web apps which are designed with touch in mind, including a Google+-centric photo-sharing service; it also says it's working with third parties to encourage them to create touch-friendly web services and sites," writes Time.
"In two to three months, it also plans to provide a new web-based version of Quickoffice, the venerable office suite Google acquired last year; it'll complement Google Docs and will be aimed at business users who prize Microsoft Office file compatibility above all else. "
Unlike the other Chromebooks, which have minimal hard drive space, the Pixel has 65 GB of memory -- low for a laptop, but it comes with a terabyte of space on Google Drive free for three years.
But with premium specs comes a premium price.
A wi-fi only model is $1299, more than a comparable Macbook Air or Microsoft Surface Pro. For $1449, you get LTE capability, available in April. The Chromebook Pixel is on sale now.
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