Google Pixelbook
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Note: This Chromebook has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase new. Its Auto Update Expiration date was June 2024, meaning it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The information below is kept for historical reference.
The Google Pixelbook represented Google’s most ambitious statement about what a Chromebook could become. Released in October 2017 starting at $999, this 12.3-inch convertible abandoned the budget-focused approach that had defined Chrome OS laptops and instead competed directly with premium Windows ultrabooks and the MacBook. Built around an Intel Core i5-7Y57 processor with a stunning 2400x1600 display in a 3:2 aspect ratio, the Pixelbook delivered uncompromising hardware quality alongside deep Google Assistant integration. For buyers who lived entirely within the Chrome ecosystem, it offered an experience no other Chromebook could match.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional aluminum build quality with minimal flex | Only two USB-C ports, no USB-A or card reader |
| Stunning 3:2 display with excellent color reproduction | Battery life fell short of 10-hour claims |
| Ultra-thin (0.4”) and lightweight (2.4 pounds) | Chrome OS limitations at premium pricing |
| Fanless, completely silent operation | Pixelbook Pen stylus sold separately ($99) |
| Deep Google Assistant integration with dedicated key | Large bezels compared to 2017 competitors |
| Quick charging (15 min = 2 hours usage) | Glossy white palm rests prone to wear |
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Google Pixelbook Comparison Chart
 Google Pixelbook | Google Pixelbook | Google Pixelbook | |
| Price | List Price: $1199.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $1649.00 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $999.00 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | GA00123-US | GA00124-US | GA00122-US |
| Perfomance Rating | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.30 Ghz) Intel Core i5-7Y57 | Dual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.30 Ghz) Intel Core i5-7Y57 | Dual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.30 Ghz) Intel Core i5-7Y57 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB eMMC | 512 GB SSD | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 12.3" | 12.3" | 12.3" |
| Screen Resolution | 2400x1600 | 2400x1600 | 2400x1600 |
| Screen Type | Quad HD LCD | Quad HD LCD | Quad HD LCD |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.4 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches (289.56 x 220.98 x 10.16 mm) | 11.4 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches (289.56 x 220.98 x 10.16 mm) | 11.4 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches (289.56 x 220.98 x 10.16 mm) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) | 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) | 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Webcam | 720p @ 60FPS | 720p @ 60FPS | 720p @ 60FPS |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2x2 (MIMO), dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB-C for charging and 4K display output | 2 USB-C for charging and 4K display output | 2 USB-C for charging and 4K display output |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Battery | 41 Whrs, Li-ion | 41 Whrs, Li-ion | 41 Whrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2024 | June, 2024 | June, 2024 |
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Hardware and Performance
The Google Pixelbook runs on the Intel Core i5-7Y57, a 7th-generation dual-core processor from Intel’s Y-series designed for fanless ultrabooks. This 4.5W TDP chip enabled the Pixelbook’s completely silent operation while still delivering reasonable performance for Chrome OS workloads. NotebookCheck’s comprehensive testing found the Pixelbook scored comparably to other Chromebooks in JavaScript benchmarks, though they noted that “users who want the Pixelbook only for video streaming, browsing, and word processing will generally not find the notebook to be any faster than cheaper alternatives.”
The base configuration paired the i5 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD storage, with upgrades available to an i7-7Y75 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage at the $1,649 price point. The use of an SSD rather than eMMC storage distinguished the Pixelbook from most Chromebooks of its era, contributing to snappy application loading.
Battery life proved a point of contention between Google’s marketing and real-world testing. Google claimed 10 hours of usage, but Engadget’s testing found “under 8 hours” in video looping scenarios, with typical real-world usage landing around 6 hours. However, the quick-charging capability partially compensated: 15 minutes of charging provided approximately 2 hours of additional usage.
Display and Design
The 12.3-inch display was the Pixelbook’s crown jewel. The 2400x1600 resolution in a 3:2 aspect ratio provided more vertical space than typical 16:9 laptop screens, ideal for document editing and web browsing. NotebookCheck measured brightness at 442.5 cd/m² average (494.2 cd/m² maximum) with a 1354:1 contrast ratio and vibrant color reproduction. The touchscreen supported Google’s optional Pixelbook Pen stylus with 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection.
However, NotebookCheck’s testing revealed some display weaknesses. Response times measured 36ms black-to-white and 59.2ms gray-to-gray, causing “visible ghosting” during motion. Pulse-width modulation flicker was present at all brightness levels, potentially causing eye strain for sensitive users. Backlight distribution was uneven, with the bottom of the screen dimmer than the top.
The physical design prioritized premium materials and portability. The aluminum unibody construction measured just 0.4 inches thin and weighed 2.4 pounds, making it one of the thinnest convertibles available. The 360-degree hinge enabled laptop, tent, and tablet modes. NotebookCheck praised the chassis as “rigid” with “minimal flex or creaking,” though they noted the glossy white palm rests were “prone to wear, discoloration, and oil buildup.”
Connectivity was notably limited, with just two USB-C 3.1 ports, a headphone jack, and nothing else. Android Authority observed that this forced users to “bring all your USB Type-C adapters along” for standard peripherals. The absence of USB-A ports, SD card reader, and traditional video output was a significant departure from what similarly-priced Windows laptops offered. Users who needed wired networking had to rely on a USB Ethernet adapter since no Ethernet port was included.
Reviewer Insights
Professional reviews from 2017-2018 consistently praised the Pixelbook’s hardware while questioning whether Chrome OS justified the premium pricing.
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo’s exhaustive review awarded the Pixelbook 86%, calling it proof “that it’s possible to create a very thin convertible notebook while remaining inflexible.” The multi-page technical analysis included detailed benchmarks, display measurements, and thermal testing. Key findings included WiFi transfer speeds of 462 Mbps transmit and 596 Mbps receive, though the review noted “random WiFi disconnections” on the test unit. Ngo concluded that while the Pixelbook was “unsurprisingly fast and very versatile,” its premium pricing was difficult to justify when “cheaper alternatives” delivered comparable Chrome OS performance.
Engadget
Nathan Ingraham’s review declared “for the first time, Google’s expensive and powerful Chromebook merits serious consideration.” The deputy editor praised the industrial design as “thin, light, fanless, powerful, comfortable to use and beautiful to look at.” His battery testing revealed the 10-hour claim was optimistic, but the quick-charging capability impressed. Despite Chrome OS limitations preventing professional photo and video editing, Ingraham concluded “the Pixelbook is worth the price” for users who conduct work primarily through browsers and cloud services.
Android Authority
Edgar Cervantes’ review captured the Pixelbook’s paradox: “The Pixelbook is a great computer — at least until you start using it.” While praising the hardware as genuinely premium—excellent build quality, bright 400-nit display, responsive keyboard—Cervantes found Chrome OS “significantly limits productivity.” Android app support had improved the ecosystem, but optimization remained inconsistent. His verdict was that demanding users “will find better value in competing operating systems at similar price points.”
Historical Significance
The Google Pixelbook holds an important place in Chromebook history as the device that proved Chrome OS hardware could compete with premium Windows laptops on build quality and design. It influenced subsequent premium Chromebooks from other manufacturers and established expectations for Google Assistant integration across the Chrome OS ecosystem.
The Pixelbook succeeded Google’s original Chromebook Pixel line and preceded the Pixelbook Go, which returned to a more traditional clamshell design at lower price points. Google ultimately discontinued the Pixelbook line, with no direct successor announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still use the Google Pixelbook in 2026?
A: While the Pixelbook can still physically function, it stopped receiving Chrome OS updates in June 2024. This means no security patches, no new features, and potentially incompatible websites as web standards evolve. Using it for any sensitive activities like online banking is not recommended.
Q: What processor does the Google Pixelbook use?
A: The base Pixelbook uses the Intel Core i5-7Y57, a dual-core 7th-generation processor from Intel’s Y-series designed for fanless ultrabooks. An upgrade option with the Intel Core i7-7Y75 was available for the higher-end configurations.
Q: Is the Pixelbook Pen included with the Google Pixelbook?
A: No, the Pixelbook Pen was sold separately for $99. The stylus featured 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, but reviewers noted noticeable input lag in most drawing applications.
Q: How long does the Google Pixelbook battery last?
A: Google claimed 10 hours of battery life, but real-world testing by Engadget found approximately 6-8 hours depending on usage. The quick-charging feature provided about 2 hours of usage from just 15 minutes of charging.
Q: What ports does the Google Pixelbook have?
A: The Pixelbook has only two USB-C 3.1 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There are no USB-A ports, SD card reader, or HDMI output. Both USB-C ports support charging and 4K display output, but adapters are required for most peripherals.
Q: Was the Google Pixelbook worth $999?
A: Professional reviewers were divided. The hardware quality matched or exceeded similarly-priced Windows laptops, but Chrome OS limitations made the value proposition difficult for users needing professional software. For those who worked entirely in web browsers and cloud services, reviewers generally found it worthwhile.