Googles Beautiful New Laptop Has One Major Flaw
Google on Wednesday unveiled the latest iteration of its top-of-the-line Chromebook, but the device's price tag could keep prospective buyers away. The new Chromebook Pixel, named for its high-resolution touchscreen, boasts an Intel Core i5 processor with a boosted 8GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory the old model had 4GB of RAM and the same storage space. The laptop also features a new charging standard called USB-C, which allows data and screen images to be transferred using the same port  Apple's new MacBook, unveiled Monday, also uses USB-C. Google claims the new Pixel will get 12 hours of battery life. Like all Chromebooks, the Pixel uses Web-based apps to perform basic functions such as word processing, meaning its functionality is limited when you're offline. Generally this helps keep Chromebooks cheap, typically retailing for just a few hundred dollars. But the Pixel is an exception  The basic model is on sale now for 999, while a higher-end model with increased memory retails for 1,299. Whether or not consumers will spring for a high-cost, limited-use laptop remains to be seen. Chromebook sales are rising fast, up 79 in 2014 according to research firm Gartner. But those numbers are likely driven by cheaper Chromebooks like the popular 329 Toshiba Chromebook 2, not Google's own high-cost offerings. Listen to the most important stories of the day.