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How Google's hardware helps Chrome OS look its best
In the past two years, Google has stepped up its efforts to bring its own Pixel computing devices to market, but its portfolio is a mixed bag. Some devices, like the Pixelbook, have become cult favorites, while the Pixel C and Slate are more polarizing. Though those tend to be twice or thrice as expensive as similar devices by other manufacturers, Google sees its products as a canvas to show off the best possible configurations. This way, said director of product management for the Made by Google compute division Trond Wuellner, it can "inspire innovation across the ecosystem. He joined us on stage at CES to talk about lessons learned and what to expect in 2019.
Google Pixelbook review: A premium Chromebook that's worth the price
When we reviewed Google's Chromebook Pixel in 2013, we said it was a gorgeous, well-built computer that almost no one should buy. That's also how we felt about the follow up in 2015. See, Chrome OS has been considered fine for a cheap second computer, but it was pretty much impossible to recommend anyone drop $999+ for the Pixel. Chrome OS was too limited, when a computer running Windows or macOS costs the same amount. Google's ambitious new Pixelbook suggests that won't be the case anymore. The laptop bears no resemblance to the original Pixel, but it's cut from similar cloth. It's still one of the nicest laptops you can find -- but it's also still running Chrome OS. But for a growing segment of the population, that might not be a problem. Google believes that as the many students who've used Chrome OS for years transition into adulthood, they'll be looking for high quality laptops that run the software they're familiar with. Moreover, Google says that premium laptops make up 20 percent of the market -- the Pixelbook is its latest attempt to get a piece of that pie.
