Google - Pixelbook 12.3" Touch-Screen Chromebook - Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 256GB Solid State Drive - Silver

Who would buy this thing? That’s the question that I first asked when I saw this for the first time at my local Best Buy, and the question I hope to address with this review that I’m banging out on my Pixelbook. I was actually laughing at the specs to price comparison with the Best Buy rep. Up until this point I have never used a Chrombook, let alone even fathom the idea that a $1199 Chrombook existed. In my mind I had Chromebooks categorized as web browsing laptops meant for school kids and the older generation, freely admitting that I really knew nothing about them. After that first look at the Pixelbook, my interest was piqued in that sense that I wondered if anyone was buying it and if the reviews would be as bad as I thought, and i spent that evening researching it. I had just returned a 15” HP Spectre X360, mostly because I was disappointed that right after I bought it HP announced a refreshed version with a lot of significant changes. I went into my research with the notion that anyone who bought a Pixelbook was a fool with too much money and not enough sense. I have an idea that a portion of anyone reading this review will be thinking the same thing. Plot twist, I’m one of those fools, though I never have too much money and don’t make a purchase this large lightly. So how did I get here? It’s not a long story, so I’ll try not to drag it out. As I pulled up the reviews, I was shocked how every major website was giving the Pixelbook a glowing review, basically saying the Chromebook concept had finally arrived with the Pixelbook. Price was barely mentioned as a con anywhere, which was tripping me out. User reviews were 90-95 percent parroting what the major tech reviews were saying also, which had me double perplexed and super curious as to what kind of witches brew this laptop had. At this point, I had a Best Buy gift card in hand from the Spectre return, and figured I’d try it for myself, knowing I had the safety net of Best Buy’s return policy. So I walked out of Best Buy with the 256GB version, which came with the free pen, and set to giving it a run for its money. I won’t get into all the tech specs, as the pros and cons have been beat to death everwhere. What I can talk about is why I kept it, why I haven’t touched my iPad Pro 10.5” after getting it, and how I just may be a convert to chromebooks. The whole experience of using the Pixelbook daily has been mind blowing for me. Bottom line up front, the Pixelbook is effortless, it integrated into my daily life without having to fight with it. I’ve never had a better web browsing experience anywhere, bar none. I’ve been able to find Chrome Apps or Android apps to replace the few Windows apps I used frequently, mostly dealing with Microsoft Office. I kept trying to convince myself to return it and just pick up the 13” HP Spectre X360 that was recently fully updated, but couldn’t bring myself to part with it. So here I am, a “fool parted with his money”, and loving every minute of it. This is the first time since I bought my first Macbook that I’ve felt enamoured with a piece of technology. I can’t say if you’re reading this that you’ll feel the same way, but Best Buy’s return policy gives you the risk free option to see for yourself.

If you read the reviews for this thing almost everyone agrees that it’s amazing but that it is very overpriced for what it is. I agree with you amazing part but honestly I don’t really think it’s that overpriced. Sure I wish it was cheaper. I think I wish that most things I buy it would be cheaper. But for what you’re getting here I think it is worth the value. You’re getting a convertable tablet computer made with high quality components and good specs. The device is guaranteed to get updates directly from Google for quite a few years to come. (My chromebook from 2013 is still getting updates.) Some say that the specs are more than you really need a new chrome book in the right. You could’ve easily gotten away with the Core series or ARM processor instead of the I5 that comes in it. But the better processor and RAM is really about future proofing this device. This isn’t your father’s chrome book. This thing will run virtually every app in the Google PlayStore some better than others but it runs them this makes it much more versatile than previous model chrome books. It’s actually replaced my MacBook Pro for about 90% of my computing needs, and a good amount of what I used to do on my iPad.

I splurged -- and now I have a hard time using any of my older chromebooks. The Pixelbook is a truly amazing computer. Period. It's thin and lightweight, and the screen is of an astounding size and quality. And even with basic browsing the 8GB of RAM is a dramatic improvement (while the 4GB in most recent chromebooks is adequate, I can't imagine ever opting for fewer than 8GB now). For me, the only negative aspects relate to the hardware. I have to confess that while the Pixelbook looks quite elegant, it feels a bit sterile and antiseptic to use, with hard edges and the like. Also, the external power button is located on the left side near the front (as opposed to the back, as with most laptops) -- and as many of us handle our laptops frequently near the front (lifting, repositioning, etc.) it's easy to inadvertently press it. I've only accidentally powered down once, but I find I'm a little wary when grabbing it. For typing I find the keyboard just okay, and not as pleasing to use as some other laptops. In fact, there were loud clicking/clacking sounds when the space bar and several other keys were pressed, which became so bothersome I exchanged it for another. The replacement works much better than the first one, so most units should be just fine I would imagine. The Pixelbook Care Team was extraordinary to work with -- prompt, friendly, articulate and precise. I only wish I could contact them whenever I encounter issues with my internet, or cable, or appliances, or cell phone. The Pixelbook is not only the best chromebook I've ever used, it's flat out the only computer I would want to use.

Before I start, let me tell you that I am a graphic designer and have a Lenovo Ideapad that's already 6 years old. It has the specs I need for the Adobe creative suite but it only has one "brain" for both internet and graphics so it crashes when I use both internet and my graphics programs at once. So, I kept that laptop for my design work and got the Pixelbook for my internet use - and I love it! I couldn't be happier!!! I use Google for everything besides for my graphics so this is really great for me. The build is unique and absolutely perfect. It's an amazing piece of hardware. The aesthetics are beautiful and comfortable to use. It has all the Google apps you can ask for and more! In fact, since it runs Android apps too, I have been using an app called Sketch when in tablet mode and I basically hand-draw designs (so I'm basically moving away from the Adobe programs somewhat). This really has everything I need! If more Adobe programs come to chrome, this will be the perfect laptop for students and professionals alike. Right now, I still need to edit my design work with my other laptop. Another huge plus is that this is so super lightweight that I can actually travel with it! The keys are clicky but solid and the track pad works better than any other track pad out there (and I use to be a track pad hater...) The palm rests are a luxury! All in all, I give this two thumbs up! 5 star rating well deserved! :)

I have had this for a little over a week and I am very impressed with it. For me it’s everything that I want. I would always advise someone to compare models and brands to find your fit. I use it for internet, Microsoft Office apps, basically minor office work. I know it can do more so I know I have a great product. It’s smooth. Easy to run. Keyboard is extremely comfortable. It’s light. Thin so it’s very portable. I purchased a skin (from Skinit.com) make it more decorative. Love the backlit keyboard. This definitely would be great for a high school or college student. You won’t be disappointed. Yes the cost is high but wait for a sale or get a lower model. Weigh your options.

I love this laptop! I have had it for 2 years and it still works like I bought it yesterday. It’s very easy to setup and even easier to use on a daily basis. I don’t typically use it as a tablet, but I have before and it worked great. The touch screen is awesome! I would highly recommend this laptop to any student or to anyone who uses google office.

I had been debating between a laptop or tablet for a long time and just never pulled the trigger for whatever reason. Well I purchased a Pixel phone few months ago and I couldn't be happier, the best phone I have ever owned or used. So my thinking was that a Google Laptop should be just as good as my new phone. Man, I am so smart, it is! In fact it too exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the Chromebooks! Androids Rock!

Pros: Fast and snappy, regardless of how many tabs I open. Compatible with all Android phone/tablet apps Best keyboard I've ever typed on Silicone wrist rests haven't dulled over 9 months Battery life is stellar Cons: Bezel is larger than the norm That's it No standard USB or SD card slots (there are 2 USB-C ports) Not really meant for creative users (Photoshop/Premiere)