Take that, Chrome OS! Chromebook Pixel runs Ubuntu and Linux Mint

By Mariella Moon Published November 11, 2013

chromebook_pixel_dt — Google

Check out our Google Chromebook Pixel review.

It’s not easy to shell out $1,450 for a laptop that runs a Web-dependent operating system, especially when it has much, much cheaper counterparts. Why spend that much money on the Chromebook Pixel when you can get an Acer C7 for $200, a Samsung Series 3 for $250, or an HP Pavilion Chromebook for $330? The Chromebook Pixel does have great hardware replete with a display that can rival Apple’s Retina screen – and it does come with an amusing Konami easter egg – but the limitations brought about by Chrome OS might still deter most people from getting the device. Still, if it entices you enough that you actually want to get it, know that you can at least install Ubuntu or Linux Mint on it thanks to an extra BIOS slot.

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One of Google’s Chrome OS software engineers, Bill Richardson, posted a photo of the Pixel running Linux Mint on Google Plus. Along with the photo, he also included step-by-step instructions on how to install the operating system. To do so, you need to enter developer mode on the Chromebook by holding Esc + Refresh and pressing the power button. On developer mode, you can boot a copy of Linux Mint or Ubuntu from an SD card or a USB stick.

Geek.com warns that if you choose to use the Chromebook with an OS you install, you will be stuck using developer mode, which usually means waiting for the laptop to boot up for around 30 seconds every time. That’s not too bad if you want to use anything other than Chrome OS; but, then again, you can always get a cheaper laptop to run whatever OS you want – or for the Pixel’s price point, even a MacBook Pro.

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Mariella loves working on both helpful and awe-inspiring science and technology stories. When she's not at her desk writing…

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