The new Chromebook Pixel is here, and with it comes a new way to buy goods from Google.
First up, the new Chromebook Pixel features a aluminum design similar to the original Pixel, but it’s a bit different on the inside. The base version of the new Pixel offers an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 32GB SSD for $999, while a Ludicrous Speed (LS) model steps things up to a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 64GB SSD for $1,299.
Both versions of the new Chromebook Pixel have a 12.85-inch touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2560x1700. There are two USB Type-C ports (also used for charging the Pixel), 2 USB 3.0 ports, an SD card slot, and a microphone port. Google’s also thrown in a 720p wide-angle camera, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, Intel HD 5500 integrated graphics, and a battery that’s slated to last for up to 12 hours of use.
The new Chromebook Pixel is now available for purchase in the U.S. and will ship in one to two business days. But you can’t go to Google Play to get one. No, you’ll need to head to the new Google Store.
The Google Store is Google’s new online marketplace for selling Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks, the Chromecast, Android TV devices, Android Wear products, the Nest thermostat, and various accessories. Basically, it’s taking the place of the Devices section of the Google Play store.
The new Google Store is well-designed, offering a Material Design-ified user interface that’s easy to navigate. The branding is good, too, making the shop easier to find than a section buried inside of Google Play.