Pixelbook v. Pixelbook Go

    

                                                  Pixelbook (2017)          Pixelbook Go (2019)

Here we are again, taking a moment to share thoughts on technology in the middle of a crazy year and season in our nation and world. We usually provide spiritual inspiration and insights on this blog, but we like to share other interests as well, just to add some dimension while maintaining all glory to God and keeping things in perspective.

That said, we (well, I particularly) recently decided, after a long delibration and slowly progressing thought process, to abandon Windows for ChromeOS. I just wanted the clean, quick, simple operating system and functionality that Windows is incapable of, and I was growingly tired of the glitchy feel and UI and overall consumer experience of Windows and Microsoft products in general (except their Office and Outlook desktop and mobile apps, and thanks to originally being managed elsewhere, GroupMe and LinkedIn).

Many have recognized the Microsoft tends to have quality issues with what seems like should be apparent after so many years. Skype as an app on PC and elsewhere is a perfect example. Even today, after finally being stable and excellent in functionality for some time, it still has a different feel to it, albeit slight (but noticeable to the MS-trained eye), when opening it and using it.

So, why Pixelbook?

Well, I value the native manufacturer experience, as long as there aren't too many tradeoffs, and I actually tried to make a conversion a couple years ago not long after the Pixelbook came out. I really liked it, but at that time, there were a few features that weren't quite in place that really needed to be there for me to make the switch. So I returned the device within the return period at the store.

Fast forward a couple years later, while walking in Best Buy and having that hankering, I picked up the Go version. I was quickly pleased with a few updates to the OS, as well as the screen, light-weight yet solid feel, the excellent keyboard (feel, along with dark coupled with backlight). All was good, except I really missed the 2-in-1 functionality. So I had the bright idea to return it and find the Pixelbook online.

I got it, and realized quickly a few things that made me miss the Go: narrower screen (12.3" instead of 13.3"), much heavier weight, somewhat worse battery life, a non-physical depression touch pad (I grew to like that with the Go), and a silver/grey keyboard that makes the keys harder to see in certain lighting, where the backlight has to be adjusted regularly.

I decided to take it back and get the Go again, but I got to a point where I realized, again, that I valued the 2-in-1 functionality enough that I could live with the other shortcomings.

So, similar to my deliberation between AirPods Pro and Pixel Buds (as shared in another post), I had gone back and forth a couple times, including buying and returning, and finally settled on the Pixelbook.

One factor that also played a key role in even going back to the ChromeOS and particularly the Pixelbook series was Google's recent expansion of supporting Chromebooks, select devices up to 9 years beyond original manufacturing date. The Pixelbook was 2017, and the Go 2019, and the website indicated a 9-year support life for each, so I felt very solid with each.

Another factor was cost: I was willing to go with the M3 processor Pixelbook Go, but I realized the limited function with multiple processes going on at once. But I really didn't want to get close to $1000. So I found an i7 Pixelbook for a little more than a new M3 Go, and it included the nice OEM carrying case and the Google Pen. That did it for me. And I'm good with it.

Now I'm officially Pixeled, with the Pixelbook, Pixel 4, and Pixel Buds. And the new Chromecast with Google TV to boot. It's a very nice ecosystem for an Android user, and it works great for me on pretty much every level.

Hopefully you've enjoyed the tech talk, as a bit of a break in the busyness and drama of daily life. God greatly bless you where you are.

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