Did Google really design a Chromebook with a Retina touchscreen?

By Meghan McDonough February 6, 2013

chromebook-pixel_dt — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Check out our Google Chromebook Pixel review.

Could a super high-definition Google-designed Chromebook be coming soon to a table near you? According to Geek.com, a video that appeared almost as quickly as it disappeared shows what purports to be the Chromebook Pixel, a laptop running Chrome OS. The exciting kicker? It features a Retina-like, ultra high-definition touchscreen display that may have a resolution as high as 2560 x 1700 pixels.

This is just a rumor right now, though it could be a special edition Chromebook that will only be released to developers and tech press members, much like the original Chromebook made by Google, the CR-48, was a few years ago. In the video below, it looks a whole lot like a MacBook Pro with its aluminum casing and black, chicklet-style keyboard, which seems a little off.

The video was produced by a company called SlinkyMe that blames hackers for the video escaping the company’s servers and making its way to YouTube. For all we know, this could just be a mock-up commercial that isn’t finished and doesn’t have the final product in it. Or it could be a hoax by Anonymous to mess with the Chrome OS faithful. Whatever it is, the display looks like it has the potential to be amazing.

Android Authority managed to save the video before it was taken down. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think. Is it real? Or is it the product of a Chromebook fan’s overactive imagination? Again, these are rumors, but they’re still fun to think about.

New ChromeBook – Next Generation Concept… by androidauthority

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Meghan McDonough

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Meghan J. McDonough is a Chicago-based purveyor of consumer technology and music. She previously wrote for LAPTOP Magazine…

Computing

Usually $299, this HP Chromebook is discounted to $199

HP Chromebook 14b sits on a desk.

If the laptop deals that you find online are still too expensive for your budget, you may want to browse Chromebook deals for cheaper alternatives. Here's an offer to consider -- Best Buy's $100 discount for the HP Chromebook 14a, which makes it even more affordable at $199 from its original price of $299. We're not sure how much time remains before this bargain ends though, so if you're interested, you'll have to proceed with the purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14a
The HP Chromebook 14a is cheap because it's equipped with low-end components, namely the Intel Celeron N4120 processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600, and 4GB of RAM. However, you'll still be getting decent performance because Chromebooks utilize Google's Chrome OS, which allow the devices to run smoother than you expect as the operating system is focused on web-based apps instead of installed software. The HP Chromebook 14a won't challenge the speed of the best laptops, but it will prove to be more than enough for daily functions like doing online research, typing documents, and manipulating spreadsheets.

Computing

One-day sale drops the price of this Chromebook to just $169

ifa 2019 acer announces new line of chromebooks chromebook 314 cb314 1h 1ht 07

If you aren't ready to buy a full-fledged laptop, a Chromebook is a great alternative since they're usually cheaper while still coming in the same body as a traditional laptop. The Acer Chromebook 314 is a great example, and while it won't win any awards for high-end specifications, it's a solid device and a great budget option if you want something basic. Luckily, Best Buy has a great deal, bringing it down to $169 from $269, making it more affordable.

Why you should buy the Acer Chromebook 314
At 14-inches, you might not expect the Acer 314 to have much going for it, but surprisingly, it has a touch screen with up to 10-finger multitouch, which is a nice little addition, although it would have been nice if it was convertible to use in tablet mode. Nonetheless, the overall build quality is sturdy, with little to no flex on the keyboard, and battery life should see you up to around 12 hours or so, depending on your usage, which is great. It's also worth noting that the screen not only uses an IPS panel, which gives you better color reproduction and viewing angles, but it can also hit 300 nits of peak brightness, meaning you can use it in a well-lit room without too much issue.

Computing

This Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook can be yours for $114 today

Someone using the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3i in tent mode.

You've been debating the merits of Chromebook vs. laptop; this Lenovo Flex 3i might help you decide, given that it's portable and comes with a great price. In fact, you can pick it up on Lenovo's website for a significant 39% discounted price of $114, rather than the usual $189 it goes for.

Why you should buy this Chromebook Flex 3i
One of the best features of a Chromebook is not only that it's cheap but also that it's relatively portable and easy to use, and while cheaper Chromebooks used to be bulkier, that's not the case anymore. The Flex 3i has a screen size of 11.3 inches, making it almost the size of a large tablet, which is great if you want to use your Chromebook on the go. It's also touch-enabled and runs an IPS panel, which gives you better image reproduction and wider viewing angles. On the other hand, the screen only hits 250 units of peak brightness, so it might not be great to use outside in bright daylight and won't compete with the best Chromebooks in that regard.