Google Reveals Updated Chromebook Pixel With USB-C

Not to be outdone by Apple, Google today introduced a new version of its high-end Chromebook Pixel that, like the new MacBook, embraces the USB-C standard.

But unlike Apple's new laptop, which sports one USB-C port, the new Chromebook Pixel has two because "we wanted to output display and charge at the same time," Google said. There are also two USB 3.0 ports and an SD card reader, as well as a headphone/mic jack.

Why USB-C? It "can deliver up to 100W of power, which is more than even the largest laptops typically need," according to Google. "When a USB Type-C enabled device is plugged in, the charger negotiates the right power for that device. That way, phones, laptops and tablets can all be powered from the same charger."

USB-C will also allow for high-resolution display output to a monitor or TV through DisplayPort and HDMI accessories.

Meanwhile, USB-C "was designed to transfer data at speeds up to 20Gbs," Google said. "Since current USB devices max out at 5Gbs, there's room to grow."

See more in the video below, but also check out What Is USB-C? An Explainer.

The 12.85-inch Pixel sports a 2,560-by-1,700 touch-screen display with 239 pixels per inch. It comes in at 3.3 pounds and buyers can opt for a 2.2GHz Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of memory or a 2.4GHz Intel Core i7 with 16GB, as well as 32GB or 64GB of flash storage.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500 allows for 4K video output over DisplayPort or HDMI with an optional USB-C video adapter cable. The new Pixel supports 802.11ac (a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 4.0.

There's a backlit Chrome keyboard and clickable, etched-glass trackpad, and 720P HD wide angle camera. Google promises up to 12 hours of battery life.

The updated Pixel is now available on Google's website, starting at $999 for the Intel Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD. The Intel Core i7 version with 16GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD will set you back $1,299. Both will ship in one to two days.

Everyone gets 1TB of Google Drive cloud storage for three years. Be sure to claim it within 180 days of logging into your Chromebook.

Google's first touch-based Chromebook Pixel arrived in 2013; for more see PCMag's full review. Also check out our roundup of The Best Chromebooks.

Also check out PCMag's hands on with Apple's new MacBook and Who Should Buy the New Apple MacBook?

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

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Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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