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

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.

إظهار المزيد

The USB-C port on the left side of the comptuer isnt working anymore with my UtechSmart hubs SVGA plug which I use for my extended display (it works fine on the right side). I called Google and did everything they said to try to get it to work, but in the end it seems like its a defective port. Google said they couldnt replace the laptop because it wasnt purchased through them, but Amazon has offered a full refund, which Im grateful for. In my opinion, the Pixelbook is overpriced compared to other Chromebooks. This is the second Google product I own that has not worked as it should (the other being a new Pixel phone 3 XL that went kaput after only 10 days), so Googles track record with respect to product reliability is spotty in my book. Integration with Microsoft and Adobe products is okay, but can use much improvement. Im all in with Google (G Suite, Chrome browser, Slate, Pixel phone, Google Fi), but Im starting to question whether Ive made the right decision...it probably would have been wiser to go with an Apple or Windows-compatible computer.

إظهار المزيد