Google’s Chromebook Pixel is arguably the company’s finest Chromebook laptop, comes pre-installed with Chrome OS operating system, as part of the Google Pixel series. The Pixel line of devices includes the Pixel C tablet, Chromebook Pixel laptops, and the Pixel smartphones. Another version of the Google Pixel was released in 2015, called the Pixel 2. In early 2017, Google announced that it is stopping the Pixel laptop line as sales are low. Check out the latest version of Google Pixel branded products here. I hope that you find this webpage to be the most comprehensive, helpful and accurate guide to the original Chromebook Pixel on the internet.

Timeline

Released 

February 21, 2013

Discontinued manufacturing

March 1, 2015

 End of official Google software support

August 21, 2019

Device Specifications

• Display:
  • 12.85″ display with 2560×1700 pixel resolution (239 ppi)
  • 3:2 aspect ratio (1.5:1)
  • 12.85 in (326 mm)
  • Max 400 nit brightness
  • 178° viewing angle
• Touchscreen
  • Multi-touch (5 fingers)
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• CPU:
  • Intel Core i5
  • 3427U (dual-core 1.8 GHz)
  • 3rd Generation (Ivy Bridge)
• GPU
  • Intel HD Graphics 4000 (integrated)
• Internal Storage (Non-upgradable):
  • 32 GB Sandisk iSSD
  • 64 GB Sandisk iSSD
• RAM:
  • 4 GB 1600MHz DDR3 RAM (Non-upgradable)
• mPCIe:
  • Supports mPCIe standard for WiFi cards
• Stock WiFi:
  • 802.11a/b/g/n
  • Dual-band (2.4/5 GHz)
  • 2×2 MIMO
• Battery:
  • 59 Wh (5 hours active use)
• Ports:
  • SD/multi-card reader
  • Mini-DisplayPort
  • Combination headphone/microphone jack
  • Two USB 2.0 ports
• Features:
  • Back-lit keyboard
  • Touchscreen
  • Fully clickable etched glass track-pad
  • Integrated stereo speakers
  • Three built-in microphones
  • 720p HD integrated webcam
• Device
  • 1.52 kilograms (3.4 lb)
  • 297.7 × 224.6 × 16.2 mm
• Notes
  • No Kensington Security Slot

Standard Pixel Mainboard

Note that the WiFi board is soldered to the mainboard, however, the mPCIe slot is still accessible in all models

FAQ

What does not work on a stock Chromebook Pixel?

• No support for Android apps; no Google Play Store
  • Kernel is unsupported for the app store
  • Alternatives for loading android packages in ChromeOS include either the ARChon runtime or Twerk packager and the Pixel set to “Developer Mode”
  • Support for these applications can be found on their respective websites

What does work on a stock Chromebook Pixel?

• 1 TB Google Drive storage for 3 years only if bought new
• Latest ChromeOS apps
• Developer Mode/ Legacy boot through Coreboot

What versions of the original Google Pixel exist?

• The Google Pixel 32 GB model (US $1299) is the base model
• The Google Pixel 64 GB (US $1449) model includes LTE through Verizon

Both versions have either a dummy or LTE card pre-installed in the mPCIe slot onboard. This is removable and can be exchanged for either a new WiFi card or a SSD (not detectable in BIOS boot).

What options for flashing do I have?

As of the 5th of May, the only “Full Rom” available for the Chromebook is available on John Lewis’s website. He uses a very similar version of SeaBIOS as the one that is already in the Pixel. I highly recommend removing the write protect screw and going for a full BIOS flash to remove Chrome OS. You should make a backup of your BIOS before you do so, just to be safe. You can also reflash your BIOS later through Linux with a live distro such as Ubuntu if you wish to go update your firmware or UEFI becomes available to the Pixel.

Developer’s Guide to Developing in Chromium

See here for information on how to develop on the open source version of ChromeOS.

Hard Resetting the Pixel

Hold down the Refresh button and continually tap the Power button to hard-reset the machine without entering Recovery Mode.

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