X

High-end Chrome OS: Google's Chromebook Pixel (pictures)

Google has pushed its browser-based operating system well beyond the $1,000-device point with its Chromebook Pixel. Here's a look at the high-resolution touch-screen laptop.

Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Stephen Shankland
20130221_Chromebook_Pixel_016.jpg
1 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Crisp and colorful

Google's Chromebook Pixel laptop has a high-resolution display that shows crisp text and graphics and good color.
20130221_Chromebook_Pixel_015.jpg
2 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

The numbers

The Chromebook Pixel measures 297.7 by 224.6 by 16.2mm.
20130221_Chromebook_Pixel_011.jpg
3 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Clean text

The Chromebook Pixel's high-resolution display makes text and graphics crisp.
2013_Sindar_Pichai_Chromebook_Pixel_1.jpg
4 of 9 Seth Rosenblatt/CNET

Sundar Pichai

Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of engineering in charge of Chrome and Google Apps, shows off the touch-screen Chromebook Pixel at an event in San Francisco.
20130220_Chromebook_Pixel_008.jpg
5 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Lighted letters

A backlit keyboard makes night typing practical.
20130221_Chromebook_Pixel_013.jpg
6 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Ports and jacks

On the left edge are two USB 2.0 ports, the power jack, a Mini DisplayPort jack, and a combination headphone-microphone jack.
20130220-cbp-text-vertical-001.jpg
7 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Resolution

Screen resolution is improved dramatically, as this close-up view comparing a Samsung Chromebook S5 550 and Chromebook Pixel shows.
20130221_Chromebook_Pixel_010.jpg
8 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

SD Card slot

The right edge of the Chromebook Pixel has an SD Card slot. Plugging in a card opens up a window so you can see photos, which automatically start uploading to Google Drive.
20130220_Chromebook_Pixel_002.jpg
9 of 9 Stephen Shankland/CNET

Dedicated search key

The Chromebook Pixel, like all other Chromebooks, has a dedicated search key. It replaces a Caps Lock key, though users can change its behavior to Caps Lock if desired.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos