1TB cloud-storage, a killer screen: What Google's Chromebook Pixel offers

Google has launched its own Chromebook Pixel which is priced at a steep price of $1299 for the Wi-fi only version, while the Wi-Fi plus cellular version is priced at $1499. The device is currently only available in the US and UK via Google’s Play Store and a few select retailers.

So what are the key features of Google’s latest device?

Its all about the screen: As, the name indicates, the device has a pretty high pixel density for a 12.85-inch screen at 239 pixels per inch (ppi). This more than Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display which has a pixel density of 227 ppi.

Google says that the screen is p_acked with 4.3 million pixels, the display offers sharp text, vivid colors and extra-wide viewing angles_.

Interestingly the screen has an unusual aspect ration of 3:2 which Google says is because most of the content on the web is still horizontal and thus it went with the 3:2 aspect ratio instead of a 16:10 ratio.

More importantly the screen is touch and swipe enabled and you can swipe through apps and applications on your computer screen itself. It has a 0.55mm layer of touch-enabled Gorilla Glass fused directly to the screen for this.

The design: According to Google, the body of the Pixel is made from an anodized aluminum alloy. The design has ensured a smooth and durable surface, where vents are hidden, screws are invisible and the stereo speakers are tucked away beneath the backlit keyboard. The touchpad itself is made from etched glass, analyzed and honed using a laser microscope to ensure precise navigation. The dimensions for this Chromebook Pixel are: 297.7 x 224.6 x 16.2 mm and it weighs 1.52 kg.

Processor and memory: The device has an Intel Core i5 processor, dual-core clocked at 1.8 GHz and 1 terabyte of free storage on Google Drive for three years. The device has 4 GB DDR3 RAM and a 32 GB solid state drive but 64 GB for the version that supports cellular service.

Other additions: It also has powerful, full-range speakers which are tuned for clarity, says Google. The Pixel also has a 720p webcam, and three microphones designed to cancel out surrounding noise.

Connectivity: Other than Wi-Fi and LTE support, the device comes with Bluetooth 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a mini-display port, and a 2-in-1 card reader that supports SD and Multimedia cards. Google is teaming up with Verizon’s for 4G LTE network in the US.

OS: It runs the Chrome OS with apps like Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Maps and Google+.

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