Two years back Google introduced its very first cloud-computing machine, the Chromebook Pixel, and now it has announced its successor that features the same design but more powerful and much faster than its predecessor and is surprisingly priced cheaper than the first pixel.
New Chromebook Pixel 2 tramples the newest MacBook from Apple with its dual USB Type-C ports where MacBook has only one, and it comes with more power than the previous Pixel running the latest 5th generation Intel Core Processors and a powerful battery that promises to give 2 hours of charge in only 15 minutes.
With pricing starting at $999 (about KSh91,500) for the Core i5 model, the new Chromebook Pixel features a second version or LS version as is called by Google (LS standing for Ludicrous Speed) that is priced much higher – but not as high as the first Pixel – at $1,299 (about KSh 119,000) and runs Intel’s Core i7.
Before introducing you to the other specs making the Chromebook a cool computing device apart from the now so popular Chrome OS, Google is moving away from Google Play and will now sell its devices in an all new and revamped Google Store that will provide quick access to Nexus phones and tablets, Chromecast and Chromebooks and accessories as well as learn more on the Android wears.
The new store is however only available for the U.S customers as of now, with my efforts to access it being met with a disappointing message. “The Google Store isn’t available here yet. We’re working to bring it to more countries as soon as possible.”
New Chromebook Pixel Specs
Google, like other tech companies is seeking to eliminate the need to carry multiple charging cables for different devices and with this new Pixel the tech giant has introduced USB Type C charging that enables multi-device charging as well as high-speed data transfers and the new pixel has two Type C ports.
The Type-C supports up to 5Gbps of data, 4K video display out with optional HDMI or Display port adaptor and 60W charging. The Chromebook also spots 2 USB 3.0 Standard ports alongside an SD card reader port.
Away from the earlier 4GB RAM, the new Pixel comes with 8GB of RAM on the Core i5 2.2 GHz processor model and 16GB RAM for the Core i7 2.4 GHz processor LS version, a 12.85 – inch touch screen display, 2560×1700 resolution (like in the first one) but has been improved to feature an extra-wide viewing angle.
Promising 12 hours of battery life, the new Chromebooks offer 32 GB or 64 GB of flash storage, are Wi-Fi only and feature Bluetooth 4.0 with Intel HD Graphics 5500, an improvement from the 4000 in the original Pixel.
That said, there are clear similarities with the earlier Pixel as there are differences but with the difference comes more appeal and value at a much better price too. Not sure if people will want to part with the additional charges for the LS version but who knows, right? There are people who bought both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, so I wouldn’t be shocked with what people are willing to do for a little enjoyment and entertainment. Developers may also like to play around with the enhanced power.
