Pixelbook Go
ManufacturerGoogle
Product familyGoogle Pixel
TypeChromebook
Release dateOctober 15, 2019 (2019-10-15)
Operating systemChromeOS
CPUIntel Core m3-8100Y, i5-8200Y, or i7-8500Y
Memory8 or 16 GB RAM
Storage64, 128, or 256 GB SSD
Display13.3 in (340 mm):
1,920 × 1,080 (FHD) or
3,840 × 2,160 (UHD "Molecular Display") resolution
Connectivity
Dimensions(W×L×H):
206.3 mm × 311.0 mm × 13.4 mm (8.12 in × 12.24 in × 0.53 in)
Mass
  • 1.061 kg (2.34 lb) (FHD)
  • 1.090 kg (2.40 lb) (UHD)
PredecessorPixelbook
RelatedGoogle Pixel Slate
Websitestore.google.com/us/product/pixelbook_go

The Pixelbook Go (codenamed Atlas during development) is a portable touchscreen laptop computer developed by Google which runs ChromeOS. It was announced on October 15, 2019 as the successor to the Pixelbook, and shipments began on October 27 for the United States and Canada. The Pixelbook Go was later made available for the United Kingdom in January 2020. Unlike preceding Google-branded Chromebook devices, the Pixelbook Go is not considerably more expensive compared to Chromebooks with similar functionality and specifications.

History

An anonymous Google spokesperson told Computerworld it was "very likely" that a Pixelbook 2 would launch in 2019, when Google announced that it was discontinuing tablet hardware development in June 2019, following the disappointing reception to the Pixel Slate detachable tablet/laptop.[1] A laptop codenamed "Atlas" during development had previously leaked as early as March 2019, and other details were gleaned by examining ChromiumOS source code. Final details, including the name and specifications, were published in September 2019, several weeks prior to the official announcement.[2]

Internally, the new Pixelbook Go used many of the same components as the preceding Pixel Slate.[2] The two devices were developed closely together in 2018; 'Atlas' (the eventual Pixelbook Go laptop) was to be accompanied by 'Meowth' (a convertible tablet), but due to supply chain issues, development of 'Meowth' was discontinued in favor of 'Nocturne' (which eventually became the Pixel Slate).[3]

Preorders were opened the same day as the announcement, October 15, 2019, and shipments for the Pixelbook Go began on October 27.[4] The top-end version with a Core i7 processor was not available to order until December 2019.[5] The Pixelbook Go was made available for the United Kingdom on January 15, 2020.[6]

Design

The Pixelbook Go features a 13.3-inch (340 mm) touchscreen design with an aspect ratio of 16:9; however, with a conventional clamshell hinge, the device cannot be used like a tablet, unlike its predecessor, the Pixelbook.[3] The device also features Google Assistant with a dedicated button. It runs ChromeOS and can launch Android applications natively.[7] The laptop uses a magnesium chassis with an exterior finished in one of two colors, which Google calls "Just Black" and "Not Pink".[4] The bottom chassis has a ribbed structure to aid grip.[8] There is a front-facing camera capable of recording video at 1080p, 60 frames per second.[9]

Either of the computer's two USB-C ports may be used for charging;[10] using the provided 45 W charger, charging for twenty minutes provides up to two hours of use. The 47 Wh battery has a claimed life of 12 hours;[9][10] the UHD model comes with a larger 56 Wh battery.[11] The Pixelbook drops support for the active stylus Pixelbook Pen.[10]

Pixelbook Go initial pricing and configurations[3][6][8][9]
Processor RAM Storage Graphics Screen Price
(USD/GBP)
Core m3-8100Y 8 GB 64 GB Intel UHD 615 13.3 in (340 mm) 1920×1080 (FHD) US$649 / £629
Core i5-8200Y 128 GB US$849 / £829
16 GB US$999 / £949
Core i7-8500Y 256 GB 3840×2160
(UHD "Molecular Display") 		US$1,399 / £1,329

Response

The Pixelbook Go had generally favorable reviews; although the pricing was closer to competing computers than prior Google-branded Chromebooks,[12] some reviewers pointed out that equivalent features and specifications could be purchased from other vendors at or below the cost of a Pixelbook Go.[7][10]

References

  1. ^ Welch, Chris (June 20, 2019). "Google says it's done making tablets and cancels two unreleased products". The Verge. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Hall, Stephen (September 23, 2019). "Exclusive: Google's next laptop is 'Pixelbook Go' w/ 13.3-inch 4K display". 9 to 5 Google. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Bradshaw, Kyle (September 24, 2019). "Everything we know about the Google Pixelbook Go, codenamed 'Atlas'". 9 to 5 Google. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Kerns, Taylor (October 15, 2019). "Google announces Pixelbook Go, available for pre-order today starting at $649". Android Police. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  5. ^ Wagoner, Ara (December 13, 2019). "4K Pixelbook Go model finally available for purchase". Android Central. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Scrivens, Scott (January 15, 2020). "Google Pixelbook Go now on sale in the UK". Android Police. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Bohn, Dieter (October 25, 2019). "Google Pixelbook Go review: The price of simplicity". The Verge. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Bohn, Dieter (October 15, 2019). "Pixelbook Go: Google finally made a reasonably priced Chromebook". The Verge. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c "Pixelbook Go specifications". Google Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  10. ^ a b c d Palladino, Valentina (October 25, 2019). "Pixelbook Go review: A cheaper Pixelbook does not come without compromises". Ars Technica. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  11. ^ Kerns, Taylor (November 8, 2019). "Pixelbook Go review: Google's cheap laptop is too expensive (Update: Two weeks later)". Android Police. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  12. ^ Amadeo, Ron (October 15, 2019). "Google announces the Pixelbook Go, a premium, MacBook-style Chrome OS laptop". Ars Technica. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
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