Google Pixelbook 2: what we want to see

The Google Pixelbook, although its been out for greater than a 12 months, is definitely among the finest Chromebooks on the market. It’s an ideal instance of what the Chromebook is able to. We gave it a shining 5 star assessment for simply that motive. And, greater than a 12 months later, it stands up, even within the face of the Google Pixel Slate. And, with Chrome OS updates that convey the likes of digital desktops, it should proceed to shine.Still, in our minds, the ‘perfect product’ doesn’t exist – there’s all the time room for enchancment. The Google Pixelbook is not any exception to that rule. So, after utilizing the Pixelbook each day for thus lengthy, now we have crafted a wishlist of issues we need to see within the follow-up.Now that 2019 has formally arrived, we could also be seeing a brand new Google Pixelbook 2 within the very close to future. So, preserve this web page bookmarked, as we’ll preserve it up to date with all the most recent info.Cut to the chaseWhat is it? The second Pixelbook, a high-end ChromebookWhen is it out? Sometime in 2019What will it value? Likely as a lot as – if no more than – the present mannequinGoogle Pixelbook 2 launch dateGoogle has held a particular annual occasion for the previous few years, pushing new Pixel telephones. This occasion takes place every October, with the telephones launching just a few weeks later.In 2017, alongside the Pixel 2 and Pixelbuds, the corporate introduced the primary era Pixelbook. Google did maintain this occasion in 2018, however the Pixelbook 2 wasn’t there. Instead we acquired the Google Pixel Slate, a Chrome OS-powered pill, which Google billed because the successor to the Pixelbook’s legacy. So, it’s attainable we gained’t even see a Pixelbook 2 in 2019, however seeing how the reception to the Google Pixel Slate hasn’t been too constructive, we’re hoping to see a brand new Pixelbook this 12 months. Google Pixelbook 2 priceWhen Google has launched a Chromebook of its personal, be it the unique Chromebook Pixel or newer Pixelbook, it has priced the laptops on the excessive finish. Google has all the time positioned its units as inspiration for its companions to try for when creating Chromebooks of their very own. It can be good to see Google drop its pricing construction a pair hundred , however we don’t see that taking place. Expect the Pixelbook 2 to start out across the $999/£999 mark and go up from there.What we need to see from Pixelbook 2DesignThe Pixelbook’s present mixture of glass, steel and silicone are the identical method to design used all through the remainder of the corporate’s merchandise. Turn the Pixel 2 XL round, for instance, and also you’ll discover a comparable glass high and brushed aluminum again. Google absolutely will proceed to refine this industrial design, solidifying it throughout its whole lineup.With the Pixelbook 2, nonetheless, we’d respect extra shade choices. Indeed, the silver and white shade scheme of the primary era Pixelbook seems to be gorgeous, however including extra shade choices — maybe one thing as funky because the Really Blue Pixel, full with orange button highlights like we’ve seen on the Pixel 2. Google is an organization thats not afraid to be daring, bucking the pattern of boring laptop computer design is one thing Google ought to embrace.Overall spec bumpNow that Intel has launched its Whiskey Lake cell processors, we totally anticipate to see each the most recent Core i7 and i5 within the Google Pixelbook 2. Then once more, we may see Google ready till Intel’s Ice Lake hits the market later this 12 months.While a webcam will not be essentially the most used a part of any laptop computer the Google Pixelbook 2 wants greater than a 720p shooter. We aren’t asking for a 4K webcam, however in 2018, it wants no less than a Full HD digicam.It’s unclear what sort of impression Linux apps (extra on these in a minute) may have on system efficiency, however it may’t damage to have extra RAM. Right now, customers are given the choice of 8GB and 16GB, relying on configuration. And sadly, the 16GB setup is barely obtainable in the most costly configuration — a Pixelbook with an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $1,649. For the Google Pixelbook 2, we’d like to see 16GB of RAM throughout extra configurations, and never only for anybody with an engorged piggy financial institution.DisplayThere’s not a number of room for enchancment in the case of the Pixelbook’s show. The 12.3-inch display screen, with a decision of two,400 x 1,600 pixels and 3:2 side ratio, is definitely straightforward on the eyes. However, in line with Evan Blass, the brand new Pixelbook may have smaller bezels across the display screen. If that’s certainly the case, then growing the dimensions of the show whereas leaving the general measurement of the Pixelbook the identical is one thing we welcome with open arms. Additionally, the 3:2 side ratio ought to keep. It seems to be good in panorama and portrait, in addition to lends itself to displaying books, magazines, and films in a natural-feeling format. It additionally makes for a extra real looking expertise when utilizing the stylus on the Pixelbook’s show for notes or sketches.Better battery lifeGoogle advertises the Pixelbook as having all day battery life, however that’s a subjective measurement. Our use has proven the battery to not fairly hit that mark, which isn’t all that unusual. So, we’d wish to see each higher energy effectivity and extra battery capability out of this 12 months’s mannequin. Perhaps software program enhancements may enhance energy effectivity, like Microsoft has finished with its Battery Saver function in Windows 10.Linux goes officialProject Crostini for Chrome OS is bringing official help for Linux apps. Currently, the challenge is barely obtainable to customers who’re courageous sufficient to run Chrome OS in developer mode. Google is updating the challenge steadily because it will get nearer to official public launch. We can’t consider a greater time to formally launch a significant function similar to this than together with model new hardware. Fingerprint sensorSmart Lock is a useful function, counting on a paired Android cellphone’s fingerprint sensor to unlock a Chrome OS system when the 2 units are shut to at least one one other. But choosing up a cellphone to unlock a pc continues to be an extended course of than utilizing a fingerprint reader on the pc itself. If the present design stays comparatively unchanged, Google may place the reader within the energy button on the left facet. This offers entry to the scanner, no matter orientation, which has already been finished on numerous 2-in-1 laptops.Smart Display ModeThe Pixelbook was the primary Chrome OS system to ship with a devoted Google Assistant key. Eventually the Pixelbook was up to date with the the choice to reply to hands-free instructions, however solely whereas unlocked and the display screen turned on. With the second Pixelbook, Google ought to take Assistant one step additional by including an always-listening function, no matter unlock standing, and replicate the same expertise to that discovered on the Lenovo Smart Display. Pen includedThe Pixelbook works with a stylus, however it prices you an extra $99/£99  simply to jot down or draw in your display screen. Jotting notes on the lock display screen is useful, however with the Pixelbook already sitting atop the the pricing scale, together with a pen isn’t an excessive amount of to ask for … is it? Ditch the palm restsHave you seen what the white palm rests just under the keyboard appear to be after just a few months of use? It’s gross. The quantity of dust that exhibits is embarrassing, even after you’ve cleaned them. Hopefully, if Google insists on utilizing the same materials, they use one thing that isn’t white  – or no less than extra dust and dirt resistant. Regardless, come again to this web page every so often forward of the attainable launch for the most recent Pixelbook 2 rumors and leaks.