Google Pixelbook Go: The Ultimate Chrome OS Laptop for Productivity

The Google Pixelbook Go is the latest addition to Google’s lineup of Chrome OS laptops, and it promises to deliver a premium experience with its sleek design, impressive performance, and innovative features. As a follow-up to the original Pixelbook, the Pixelbook Go aims to provide a more affordable and portable option for users who need a reliable laptop for work or play.

Design and Display

The Pixelbook Go boasts an ultra-slim and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around in a bag or backpack. The device is available in two sizes: 13-inch and 15-inch, both featuring a durable aluminum body with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display protector.

The Pixelbook Go’s display is one of its standout features, offering a stunning Quad HD (QHD) resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels on the 15-inch model. The 13-inch version features a Full HD (FHD) display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Both displays are bright and vibrant, making them ideal for content creation, video streaming, or gaming.

Performance

The Pixelbook Go is powered by Intel’s latest Core m3-8100Y or Core 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 up to 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage.

For general tasks such as web browsing, email, document editing, and multimedia playback, 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 Windows Hello facial recognition.

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 and DisplayPort, as well as an optional Pixelbook Pen stylus holder. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Pixelbook Go boasts a single 8-megapixel camera on the rear, capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. For video calls or casual photography, the front-facing 1080p camera is more than sufficient.

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

Google Assistant and Chrome OS

The Pixelbook Go comes pre-installed with Google’s Chrome OS, which provides a seamless user experience with intuitive gestures and a clean interface. The device also supports Google Assistant integration, allowing users to access information, control smart home devices, or perform various tasks with voice commands.

Conclusion

The Google Pixelbook Go is an exceptional Chrome OS laptop 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 device 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 Chromebooks. 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 Core i5-8200Y
  • RAM: 8GB or 16GB
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC or 256GB SSD
  • Display: 13-inch (Full HD) or 15-inch (Quad HD), PixelSense touchscreen
  • 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)
  • Camera: Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera, Front-facing 1080p camera