Google Pixelbook 4-In-1 Automatic Update Chromebook, 12.3-Inch
Last updated: August 5, 2023
Switching from laptop to tablet mode is easy with the Google Pixelbook. Android apps work seamlessly on this Chromebook.
We looked at the top Chromebooks and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Chromebook you should buy.
Product Details
Key Takeaway: Switches easily from laptop to tablet mode. Works with Android apps.
In our analysis of 50 expert reviews, the Google Pixelbook 4-In-1 Automatic Update Chromebook, 12.3-Inch
placed 8th when we looked at the top 15 products in the category. For the full ranking,
see below.
From The Manufacturer
Meet Google Pixelbook, the high performance Chromebook. It’s the first laptop with the Google Assistant built in. The long lasting battery delivers up to 10 hours of use and it’s fast charging so can get 2 hours of use in 15 minutes. 4-in-1 design adapts to whatever you’re doing with laptop, tablet, tent and entertainment modes. Access to favorite apps including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, YouTube and more. Pixelbook’s super thin and lightweight design measures 10.3 mm and weighs 2.45lbs. Features a 12.3” 360° touchscreen display, a sleek aluminum body, Corning Gorilla Glass and a backlit keyboard. Powered by Chrome OS with automatic software updates so you’ll always have the latest virus protection. It starts up in less than 10 secs, stays fast throughout the day, and won’t slow down over time.
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
Perhaps the most marquee feature of the Pixelbook is its wholecloth support of Android apps and the Google Play store, not to mention the brand new launcher interface to access these apps.
The silver-and-white paint isn’t eye-catching, but undeniably sets itself apart from other 2-in-1s, and we think it looks rather handsome.
The Pixelbook we tested features a Core i5-7Y57 CPU and 8GB of RAM, enables smooth performance and works well with Android apps.
Here's the good news: Android apps run very well on the Pixelbook, with nearly none of the showstopping issues I had before.
Its convertible design is useful: I easily went from using the keyboard to respond to an email, to folding it into a tablet so I could easily read an article.
Google Assistant makes its way into your laptopping life here too, accessible via a button between Ctrl and Alt on the left side of the keyboard.
Screen quality is satisfyingly crisp, text has no jaggy edges, and photos and videos have excellent detail and color fidelity.
The combo of the Google Assistant and improved Android apps makes the whole Chrome OS experience feel more complete.
You can ask for any information you need just by saying "OK Google."
What reviewers didn't like
As has become the growing trend in the thinnest and lightest laptops, Google has crammed the speakers underneath the keyboard, and the result is awfully tinny sound
Chrome OS isn’t compatible with the testing software we normally use for displays, so we weren’t able to go as deep as normal.
If not for its higher price and subpar battery life, the Pixelbook would be an easy recommendation.
The problem is that the work of uniting Android land and Chrome land isn't done yet — and in many cases they don't even speak the same language.
Unfortunately, there's nowhere to store the pen on the laptop.
The messy Android implementation even seems to affect battery life.
Ports are limited, which shouldn't be a surprise considering how thin the chassis is.
Unfortunately, that performance comes at the cost of battery life.
The 12.3" display is a little small for daily use. It can't do very much without a WiFi connection.
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