If you’re unfamiliar with Chromebooks, in a nutshell, they’re laptops that run Google’s Chrome OS operating system. That means no Microsoft Office Suite unless you can make due with the Android version. And while some apps can function without internet access, the majority of Chrome apps require an always-connected setup. And speaking of apps, the Pixelbook is one of the growing number of Chromebooks that plays nice with the Android store, which adds a lot more functionality to the system. It’s also the first Chromebook to feature Google Assistant integration so you can control all the action with your voice. We recently reviewed the mid-level version of the Pixelbook, which earned 3.5 stars. Henry Casey, our senior writer was taken with design, calling its aluminum unibody design “one of the most attractive machines I’ve ever tested.” The 2400 x 1600, 12.3-inch touch display is bright and colorful, averaging 421 nits of brightness and reproducing 117 percent of the sRGB gamut. And while the Core i5 processor, couldn’t keep pace with the likes of the iPad Pro or Lenovo Yoga 920, it’s much more powerful than other Chromebooks. In short, if you’re looking for a lightweight laptop that can handle light productivity tasks, including video editing in a sleek, attractive chassis, the Pixelbook might be the hot holiday ticket. Just be sure to get it now, before the starting price goes back up to $999.
