The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
anandtech.com
The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
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Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#2The real review here seems to be by BittenRottenApple in the comments, rather than the actual anandtech article. In particular I think this part sums up the main issue I have with the Chromebook Pixel:
The entire conceit of Chrome OS is that it's sort of a diet computer. It does the basics, and just the basics. Chrome OS will give you internet, basic word processing through Google Docs, video via YouTube, and the rest of Google's web services including a free as in freedom lifetime direct hotlink to the NSA. You can stick in Chrome extensions for added "apps" if you'd like, possibly even a future NSA all inclusive backup app. But you're not going to get any full software here, because Chrome OS isn't compatible with anything outside of itself. And that's been OK, because Chrome OS laptops have been very cheap: a few hundred bucks for the essentials is a good deal. Thirteen hundred dollars for those same essentials is a very, very, hugely, wow-bad deal.
I have an ASUS C200, and because lately I have a need for a word processor and browser on the go, I love it despite its limitations. It's cheap and light and has insanely good battery life with an operating system that stays out of the way. I emphatically don't feel a desire to go out and buy a >$1000 chromebook, though (if I bought the pixel I would probably go and replace the OS with linux, whereas on my C200 I haven't even bothered to install a linux chroot).
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#3The real review here seems to be by BittenRottenApple in the comments, rather than the actual anandtech article. In particular I think this part sums up the main issue I have with the Chromebook Pixel: The entire conceit of Chrome OS is that it's sort of a diet computer. It does the basics, and just the basics. Chrome OS will give you internet, basic word processing through Google Docs, video via YouTube, and the res…
You don't need to replace the OS with linux, it is already linux based. If you enable developer mode you can get to the terminal, and if your linux-foo is strong that should be all you need (and you'll still be able to use ChromeOS).
This is what made my (free) Cr-48 awesome. Does it make the (expensive) Chromebook Pixel awesome? I don't know.
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#4The real review here seems to be by BittenRottenApple in the comments, rather than the actual anandtech article. In particular I think this part sums up the main issue I have with the Chromebook Pixel: The entire conceit of Chrome OS is that it's sort of a diet computer. It does the basics, and just the basics. Chrome OS will give you internet, basic word processing through Google Docs, video via YouTube, and the res…
Yeah, all the people I know who have a pixel (three) spend a lot of their time in linux. I think that the pixel is better conceived of as a really, really nice linux laptop rather than a netbook. That said, the market there is probably really small.
Of course, the pixel is also just an excuse to push parts and system manufacturers so that high-quality screens, keyboards and touchpads may trickle down into the regular chromebook market.
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#5The real review here seems to be by BittenRottenApple in the comments, rather than the actual anandtech article. In particular I think this part sums up the main issue I have with the Chromebook Pixel: The entire conceit of Chrome OS is that it's sort of a diet computer. It does the basics, and just the basics. Chrome OS will give you internet, basic word processing through Google Docs, video via YouTube, and the res…
Some people will be more likely to buy a more expensive product, even if the price/value ratio is inferior than a cheaper alternative, merely because they want something better, and can afford the trade-off.
Not everyone needs native software. I work in an office in which over half the employees use Chromebooks because they don't have any requirements beyond web-based applications and the Google ecosystem.
Don't underestimate the value of 'incredibly simple', 'virus-free', and 'always up-to-date'. These factors may be worth much more to another sector of the market than to you.
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#6I've said it before and this review really cements my view - this laptop would be absolutely perfect for me if it had more storage.
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#7The real review here seems to be by BittenRottenApple in the comments, rather than the actual anandtech article. In particular I think this part sums up the main issue I have with the Chromebook Pixel: The entire conceit of Chrome OS is that it's sort of a diet computer. It does the basics, and just the basics. Chrome OS will give you internet, basic word processing through Google Docs, video via YouTube, and the res…
And yet...I want one.
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#8My only question: can you physically have a 512Gb ssd inside that thing? Anything else is irrelevant to me. The previous Chromebook pixel had the mini PCIe port used by the WWAN modem wired with only the USB lines, meaning you couldn't do that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0_u8bjQFzg
I won't buy a chromebook pixel until I can at least get a decent storage. It doesn't have to be sold with this storage. The motherboard just needs the right tracks to the mini PCIe and mSATA support so that I can do it. Google might have saved 2 cents, but won't be getting a dollar from me and other people from this thread who say "this laptop would be absolutely perfect for me if it had more storage"
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#9My only question: can you physically have a 512Gb ssd inside that thing? Anything else is irrelevant to me. The previous Chromebook pixel had the mini PCIe port used by the WWAN modem wired with only the USB lines, meaning you couldn't do that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0_u8bjQFzg I won't buy a chromebook pixel until I can at least get a decent storage. It doesn't have to be sold with this storage. The motherb…
> * It's likely that it's still soldered to the motherboard which makes replacing or upgrading it impossible. Given that the Pixel can only be disassembled using suction cups and a great deal of force I'm not able to actually look inside to check. *
So it seems this "review" didn't even attempt to open up the laptop to check out the motherboard. Disappointing.
Re: The Chromebook Pixel (2015) Review
#10The battery life is great, but the thing that worries me about all non-Apple laptops with sealed batteries is the lack of an official battery service. If I buy an Apple laptop, I know that for $130-200, they'll swap out the battery pack once it's capacity goes down. That does wonders for resale value. What's the story with the original Pixel?