Google on Wednesday unveiled a brand new laptop of its own, an amazing piece of machinery that still isn’t necessarily a must-have for laptop buyers despite its allure. What’s interesting about the device is that it shares one common feature with the brand new MacBook, though Google has found its own way of implementing the new tech.
FROM EARLIER: The brand-new 12-inch Macbook is a lot more powerful than you think
The company’s second-generation Chromebook Pixel is even better than its predecessor, featuring better specs and a reduced price.
The device is available in two configurations, a $999 model that packs a 2.2GHz Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and a $1,299 model that has a faster 2.4GHz Core i7 chip, 16GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Both models have 12.85-inch 2560 x 1700 IPS LCD touchscreen displays, Intel HD 5500 series graphics cards and 59Wh batteries.
Unlike the previous-generation Pixel, the 2015 model comes with USB-C connectivity, a novel type of connector that also happens to be one of the MacBook’s most important new features. Users will have access to two USB-C ports on the Pixel — one of each side of the device instead of just one port, as is the case on the 12-inch MacBook —allowing them to both recharge the laptop and connect it to external devices without the need of an additional accessory.
With help of the USB-C port, the second-gen Pixel can offer 2 hours of use with just 15 minutes of charging, while a full charge should last up to 12 hours.
Furthermore, Google has kept two USB 3.0 ports alongside the new USB-C connectors, and an SD card slot.
Since it didn’t go for an Intel Core M chip, and decided to keep more ports on board, Google couldn’t make the Pixel as thin as the MacBook though. In fact, the device is just as big as the first-gen model — it measures 11.72 x 8.84 x 0.64 inches and weighs 1.52kg.
The new Pixel is already available for purchase from Google’s online store.
