The Pixelbook Go is Google’s latest vision of what a Chromebook should be. Unlike Google’s previous efforts, the Go is not aiming for the skies, and its price reflects that, starting a full $350 less than its predecessor. If, however, you like the original Pixelbook’s high-end specs, you can order a high-end Go with a Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB storage, and a 4K display. The Go has a very function-over-form design with an interesting ridged underside being the only thing that sets it apart from your standard laptop (oh, and the fact that it comes in “Not Pink”). The base model gets an Intel Core M3 chip, but we recommend going for the Core i5. In either case, you’ll get 8 GB of RAM, which is plenty for average Chromebook use.
Another high-end Chromebook worth considering is Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It has a similarly premium, all-aluminum build that’s lightweight with a beautifully minimalist design. It also has a very sharp, bright screen. The model we like has an Intel Core i5 and 8 gigabytes of RAM inside ($1,000, Samsung), but there are even more powerful configurations available.
ChromeOS has progressed significantly in the last year and feels very mature overall. Support for Linux makes the Chromebook workable for light development work, but running all but the top Android apps is still an exercise in frustration.
Specs to look for: Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD
