Google Pixelbook (i7, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB)

15 years in IT. So Ive gone through a lot of machines from Thinkpads to Apple. This is the perfect machine if you need a thin client (i.e. SSH into a heavy duty PC machine). Its slim and I can take it anywhere without issues in terms of weight and usability. If you rely on the cloud for apps - and dont need a 5 pound laptop...this is almost perfect. Only thing to critique - provide official Linux booting option (which Google is supposedly working on right now) and better battery life. I actually traded in my Surfacebook ($3,000 US dollars) and got this instead - never looked back. But Ill have to say...Surfacebook has better stylus support but that doesnt affect me too much.

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Really nice hardware but numerous software issues make it hard to recommend at the moment. I think in a year or so Chrome OS is going to mature to a more capable desktop OS with Linux apps, Android apps, progressive web apps, and traditional web apps all coexisting, but for now its hard to recommend unless you are sticking to just web apps. Android apps are hard to use because of scaling issues, poor implementation of tablet sized layouts and pause states, and some pretty significant instability (even in Googles own apps). The scaling issues also extend to Chrome windows - layouts are less broken than in Android apps but if you arent running at 2x (slightly too big) or 1x (way too small) you get some scaling artifacts that can be pretty distracting. Less screen bezel so you didnt need to scale down from 2x would be one fix for this. At the default scaling a lot of websites are designed for a display just a little wider than the Pixelbook screen. Bluetooth is pretty buggy. Its like going back to the Bluetooth stack from Android 3 years ago, devices never connecting and disconnecting during use is common. Don t get this if you rely on Bluetooth. This also affects the Smart Lock and tethering features, they are pretty unreliable. The only other way to login is your main Google account password, so if you use a generated password, its pretty inconvenient to login if smart lock isnt working. I gave the dev channel a try to see if it improved any of the Bluetooth issues and try out Linux apps. Bluetooth has the same issues in the latest builds. Linux apps work but many need GPU acceleration and this is still upcoming (this looks like its actively being worked on). Nice stuff about the hardware, the keyboard is great, its a very well built machine, feels great to type on and use the trackpad. In tablet mode its a bit awkward due to the weight and the keys on the back, but it is usable. If you want a laptop first and just occasional tablet use, I think its pretty good. If you are looking for a tablet mainly, other devices will serve you better. If youre reading this six months or a year from now, the software will likely have improved and then Id really recommend it. But for now, its very alpha/beta quality depending on your use case.

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Super-portable and highly flexible system. The keyboard is amazing for extended use! Way better than the disgustingly non-ergonomic keyboard in my Apple MacBook Pro 13" (2016). Key decision criteria for me were also being able to run Android apps from the Google Play Store and full Linux apps on Chrome OS through Googles Project Crostini.

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I never realized how clunky Windows is until I got my hands on ChromeOS. Everything is so CLEAN. The things I thought would get in the way of being productive (like the cloud based file system) actually turned out to be blessings. The build quality of this machine is unbelievable.

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I had a very highend Macbook Pro, which is now collecting dust. 99% of my life occurs in a browser window, and this machine is just stable and fast. It also drives my widescreen LG monitor perfectly, and every peripheral ive tried just works (headsets, Kinesis Keyboard, etc). The only bummer is I cant get imessage on my desktop any more.... but the stability of this machine makes it all worth it. Google and Microsoft OSs are fat and slow.... too much cruft. this machine is a fast and simple.

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I have had this for 3 months, light use and extreme care when using it. It is the most expensive thing I have bought an, aside from a car and an apartment, and I treat it with care. A week ago the touch screen stopped working, I use it for graphic arts and this is obviously a HUGE issue. Costumer support has not been able to help thus far, and I am doubtful I will be receiving a replacement. If you want to spend $1500 on something without a properly functioning touchscreen, go for it. If not, well, dont. This experience could be rare, do your research either way. ----------------edit--------------- Though customer support was not able to resolve the issue, I was. After a few days of "jumping through hoops" and trying solution after solution, I stumbled on the issue. There was an accessibility feature turned on that was interfering with the screens responsiveness. After I turned it off functionality returned to normal. This device, and Chrome os, are entering new realms for the operating system. That means there will be occasional hiccups. Aside from that experience, the laptop has been able to handle everything I have thrown at it (including the demands of relatively intense multitasking). If you are okay with the learning curve and handling the MANY changes chrome os seems to be taking (largely to improve the operating systems functionality), then this is a solid laptop. As always, do your research first. This review alone should not be enough to change your mind.

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So I havent found any Linux (Debian based or from source) app that doesnt work on the Pixelbook. Enable the Linux apps was as easy a click of a button. The i7 and 16GB of RAM keep it running smooth. I write code on PyCharm and WebStorm and I often run them together with no issues. Actually, Ive run both while presenting in a Google Hangout with no issues. The only issue that I had was Bluetooth but since the latest update came through that hasnt been a problem either. I use the Android versions of the following apps with no issues Slack, Audible, and Spotify (although I prefer the web version). Dual screens compatibility has been great too. The default terminal leaves a lot to be desired but if you install gnome-terminal youll be fine. So far it has been the best of all 3 worlds (Debian, Android, and Chrome OS). I hope this helps someone.

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Pros: Great keyboard (although the assistant key is kind of useless, one should be able to remap it to Meta), Great screen. The Google pencil is pretty responsive. Cons: a bit overpriced for a Chromebook. No Microsoft Office support (even from the Android Google Play Store, it does not play well with Office 365).

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If you want a versatile, user-friendly, fast, combination tablet/laptop that runs Google Play apps, this is a great product. Pros: - Rugged metal casing that also disperses heat - Runs Linux with some Steam games - Bright ,colorful, and clear display - Very fast - Light weight - Portable - Can extend desktop to another display with addition of a USB-C minidock (Im using the UtechSmart 11-in-1 USB-C hub) - Touchpad is VERY responsive - Boots up VERY quickly (about 3-5 seconds from power-on to login screen) - Apps load quickly and internet surfing is very quick - Photos open quickly and can be edited on-the-fly - There are a large number of Apps already available that are geared toward the Chomebooks to take advantage of the more powerful processors/memory - Has Linux capability already built-in - Possible future support for Windows 10 (referred to as the eve-campfire project) Cons: - Some apps have minor visual glitches when switching between laptop mode and tablet mode (anticipate a fix with newer patches) - The left USB-C port occasionally stops working when I connect the mini dock to the left side port but is easily fixed with a hard shut down and restart

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Ill be honest. I didnt fully understand what I was getting when I ordered this Pixelbook, and buyers remorse kicked in as soon as I clicked "Place your order." I had to carefully consider what Id just done, and quickly, because this pricey piece of hardware would arrive the next day! I asked myself what in my current computing situation was lacking. My desktop suits my needs for heavy-duty photo editing and storage, but I am tired of being tethered to it for everything. My tablet has been a helpful friend, but its use is limited AND its battery is degrading quickly. I have never wanted to cart around a laptop, and I didnt think getting another tablet was the answer. I also wanted a good solution for travel, including photo backup capability. After watching and reading everything I could find about the Pixelbook and its rivals, I felt better about my snap decision. The recent price cut offered on Amazon was sweet, but the fact that it pairs so well with the Pixel phone which I recently switched to was also a big factor. It has great capacity for photo storage; however, I did have to buy a USB-C card reader to tap into it. (As yet, untested.) After spending a week with it, I now feel positive and pessimistic at the same time. My impression of the original Chromebook format from its inception was that it was limiting. That is less so now that it runs android apps. Since I wont need it to do everything and its portable and fun to use, I think it nicely fills my technology gap. It is lightweight and sleek but also has the flexibility to work as a laptop or a tablet. The attached keyboard has a nice touch with raised bars on the f and j keys to help you find the right location. The pen is essential if you want to tap, write, or draw, especially if you snack on popcorn as you work in the afternoon. It’s very responsive when you click the power on button which is handy except for the times you accidentally hit it. My biggest concern is the battery. I was dismayed when my battery dropped by 10% off a full charge when it had been sitting on my shelf doing nothing after its first half a day. I turned off Bluetooth and the "Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep" setting, and it no longer loses charge when sitting unused for long periods. I’ve also learned to watch the screen brightness that is usually automatically set higher than I need it to be, and I switched off the keyboard backlighting. Another battery issue, however, is still worrisome. The calculated remaining battery life estimate is totally erratic. It’s quite disconcerting when you start up after a full charge, and it shows your battery life is around 2 hours. And then after a few minutes 6 hours, and after a few more minutes 4 hours, and so on. After doing a lot of research, I think this will even out and get more predictable as the battery is “broken in,” if there is such a thing with batteries. Now, on about my 3rd charge, I’m seeing higher estimates—9 and above—interspersed with the lower ones. I’ve learned about Crosh and how to check the battery with crosh commands. So, I’m feeling better but not yet totally confident. It’s been a big learning curve for me, but there is plenty of help available on the internet, especially on the product’s support site. At this point, Id give it 5 stars as far as delivering the functionality I need, but 1 star until this battery life question is more settled. That should average out to 3 stars, but I going to give it 4 based on how much I like it. I hope the battery issue will work out. If it does, I’ll bump it up to 5.

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