The Google Pixelbook is the best Chromebook out there its a shining example of what the Chromebook is capable of.
We gave it five stars in our review for just that reason.
And, nearly a year later, it still stands.That said, theres no such thing as a perfect product theres always room for improvement, and the Google Pixelbook is no exception.
So, after using the Pixelbook every day for almost a year, we know what we want to see in the Google Pixelbook 2.As we approach the end of the year when Google traditionally starts to launch a ton of new products we may be seeing the Google Pixelbook 2 in the very near future.
So, keep this page bookmarked, as well keep it updated with all the latest information.Cut to the chaseWhat is it The second Pixelbook, a high-end ChromebookWhen is it out Q3 2018 at the earliest, likely close to holidaysWhat will it cost Likely as much as if not more than the current modelGoogle Pixelbook 2 release dateFor the past two years, Google has held a special event where the company has announced new Pixel phones.
The event has taken place in October, with the phones launching a few weeks later.Last year, alongside the Pixel 2 and Pixelbuds, the company announced the first generation Pixelbook.We have no reason to believe the timing of this years event will be any different.
Its possible we will see the Pixelbook 2 announced as soon as October, with a release before the end of the year.
Evan Blass echoes our sentiment, claiming a new Pixelbook will ship by the end of the year.Google Pixelbook 2 priceWhen Google has released a Chromebook of its own, be it the original Chromebook Pixel or more recent Pixelbook, it has priced the laptops at the high end.Google has always positioned its devices as inspiration for its partners to strive for when developing Chromebooks of their own.It would be nice to see Google drop its pricing structure a couple hundred dollars, but we dont see that happening.Expect the Pixelbook 2 to start around the $999/999 mark and go up from there.What we want to see from Pixelbook 2DesignThe Pixelbooks current combination of glass, metal and silicone are the same approach to design used throughout the rest of the companys products.
Turn the Pixel 2 XL around, as an example, and youll find a similar glass top and brushed aluminum back.
Google surely will continue to refine this industrial design, solidifying it across its entire lineup.With the Pixelbook 2, however, we would appreciate more color options.
Indeed, the silver and white color scheme of the first generation Pixelbook looks stunning, but adding more color options perhaps something as funky as the Really Blue Pixel, complete with orange button highlights like weve seen on the Pixel 2.Google is a company thats not afraid to be bold, bucking the trend of boring laptop design is something Google should embrace.Overall spec bumpNow that Intel has released its Whiskey Lake mobile processors, we fully expect to see both the latest Core i7 and i5 in the Google Pixelbook 2.While a webcam may not be the most used part of any laptop the Google Pixelbook 2 needs more than a 720p shooter.
We arent asking for a 4K webcam, but in 2018, it needs at least a Full HD camera.Its unclear what kind of impact Linux apps (more on those in a minute) will have on system performance, but it cant hurt to have more RAM.
Right now, users are given the option of 8GB and 16GB, depending on configuration.
And unfortunately, the 16GB setup is only available in the most expensive configuration a Pixelbook with an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $,1649.For the Google Pixelbook 2, wed love to see 16GB of RAM across more configurations, and not just for anyone with an engorged piggy bank.DisplayTheres not a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the Pixelbooks display.
The 12.3-inch screen, with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,600 pixels and 3:2 aspect ratio, is certainly easy on the eyes.However, according to Evan Blass, the new Pixelbook will have smaller bezels around the screen.
If that is indeed the case, then increasing the size of the display while leaving the overall size of the Pixelbook the same is something we welcome with open arms.Additionally, the 3:2 aspect ratio should stay.
It looks good in landscape and portrait, as well as lends itself to displaying books, magazines, and movies in a natural-feeling layout.
It also makes for a more realistic experience when using the stylus on the Pixelbooks display for notes or sketches.Better battery lifeGoogle advertises the Pixelbook as having all day battery life, but thats a subjective measurement.
Our use has shown the battery to not quite hit that mark, which isnt all that uncommon.So, wed like to see both better power efficiency and more battery capacity out of this years model.
Perhaps software improvements could improve power efficiency, like Microsoft has done with its Battery Saver feature in Windows 10.Linux goes officialProject Crostini for Chrome OS is bringing official support for Linux apps.
Currently, the project is only available to users who are brave enough to run Chrome OS in developer mode.Google is updating the project frequently as it gets closer to official public release.
We cant think of a better time to officially launch a major feature such as this than along with brand new hardware.Fingerprint sensorSmart Lock is a handy feature, relying on a paired Android phones fingerprint sensor to unlock a Chrome OS device when the two devices are close to one another.
But picking up a phone to unlock a computer is still a longer process than using a fingerprint reader on the computer itself.If the current design remains relatively unchanged, Google could place the reader in the power button on the left side.
This provides access to the scanner, regardless of orientation, which has already been done on countless 2-in-1 laptops.Smart Display ModeThe Pixelbook was the first Chrome OS device to ship with a dedicated Google Assistant key.
Eventually the Pixelbook was updated with the the option to respond to hands-free commands, but only while unlocked and the screen turned on.With the second Pixelbook, Google should take Assistant one step further by adding an always-listening feature, regardless of unlock status, and replicate a similar experience to that found on the Lenovo Smart Display.Pen includedThe Pixelbook works with a stylus, but it costs you an additional $99/99 just to write or draw on your screen.Jotting notes on the lock screen is handy, but with the Pixelbook already sitting atop the the pricing scale, including a pen isnt too much to ask for is itDitch the palm restsHave you seen what the white palm rests just below the keyboard look like after a few months of use Its gross.
The amount of dirt that shows is embarrassing, even after youve cleaned them.Hopefully, if Google insists on using a similar material, they use something that is not white or at least more dirt and grime resistant.
Regardless, come back to this page every now and then ahead of the possible launch for the latest Pixelbook 2 rumors and leaks.kYNzeAodpbFFSCczA9VQR8.jpg#