Google Pixelbook Go: The Ultimate Chrome OS Experience

The Google Pixelbook Go is a highly anticipated update to the original Pixelbook, and it’s clear that Google has made significant improvements in various areas. As a premium Chrome OS device, the Pixelbook Go offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for users who need a lightweight laptop or tablet for work or play.

Design and Display

The Pixelbook Go boasts a sleek and minimalist design that’s both durable and portable. The 13-inch version is available in three different colors: Just Black, Not Pink, and Clearly White, each with a unique aesthetic appeal. The device features a robust aluminum body and a sturdy hinge that allows for comfortable typing and viewing angles.

The display on the Pixelbook Go is one of its strongest assets. The touchscreen boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which provides crisp and vibrant visuals. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for indoor use, although it may struggle in extremely bright environments. For added protection, the display features Corning Gorilla Glass.

Performance

The Pixelbook Go is powered by Intel’s latest Core m3-8100Y or i5-8200Y processors, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 8GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage, while the latter offers improved performance with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.

For general tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing, the Pixelbook Go performs admirably. However, demanding applications like video editing or gaming may require some patience due to the device’s limitations. Google has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Chrome OS Verify.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the Pixelbook Go is its impressive battery life. According to Google, users can expect up to 12 hours of web browsing or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 11-12 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Pixelbook Go features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-C ports with support for Power Delivery, DisplayPort, and USB 3.1 Gen 2, as well as a headphone jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Pixelbook Go boasts an improved front-facing camera with 1080p video recording capabilities, making it suitable for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

For audio enthusiasts, the Pixelbook Go features dual speakers with Google Assistant support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Pixelbook Pen

One of the standout features of the Pixelbook Go is its optional Pixelbook Pen, which offers precise and lag-free performance. The pen supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, making it suitable for artists or writers who need a reliable stylus.

Conclusion

The Google Pixelbook Go is a formidable premium Chrome OS device that checks most of the right boxes. Its compact design, impressive display, and robust performance make it an excellent option for users who need a lightweight laptop or tablet for everyday tasks or on-the-go productivity.

While it may not be the best choice for demanding applications or gaming enthusiasts, the Pixelbook Go is an attractive alternative to traditional laptops or tablets. With its competitive pricing starting at $649 (base model) and going up to $1,399 (high-end configuration), the Pixelbook Go is definitely worth considering for those in search of a reliable and feature-packed portable device.

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core m3-8100Y or i5-8200Y
  • RAM: 8GB or 16GB
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC or 256GB SSD
  • Display: 13.3-inch, PixelSense touchscreen, 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours web browsing or 10 hours video playback
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support), headphone jack
  • Camera: Front-facing 1080p camera with Chrome OS Verify support
  • Audio: Dual speakers with Google Assistant support