Google's new US$649 Pixelbook Go is a seemingly budget offering, but only if you consider the entry-level model

Google has exited the tablet business with the discontinuation of the Pixel Slate, but the Pixelbook lineup is still intact. At the Made by Google event today, the Mountain View-giant unveiled the Pixelbook Go with spec improvements over the 2017 Pixelbook at a lower starting price. 

Google is putting the aesthetics of the Pixelbook Go first and foremost. This Chromebook is just 13 mm thin and weighs just close to a kilogram. The overall design is a matte finish with a textured bottom and a magnesium casing. The Pixelbook Go features a 13.3-inch touchscreen that is available in both FHD and 4K 'Molecular Display' options. Unfortunately, it is still a 16:9 display and not a 3:2 one as we would have liked it to be. 

Under the hood, you get the choice of an 8th generation Intel Core m3, Core i5, or Core i7 processor, up to 16 GB RAM, and up to 256 GB SSD (no microSD expansion). The Pixelbook Go features a backlit 'Hush Key' keyboard that offers an even quieter typing experience compared to the original Pixelbook. You get a pair of USB Type-C ports — one on each side — that support fast-charging. Google says the Pixelbook Go can be topped up in just 20 minutes for up to two hours of use. A headphone jack is also available along with an improved Bluetooth radio and dual-band Wi-Fi.

Since this is a 'low-cost' Chromebook, there are no niceties such as a fingerprint reader or face unlock. However, you can use your existing Android phone's biometrics to unlock the Pixelbook Go. There's a FHD webcam that can record 60 fps video as well. A Titan C security chip helps keep data safe. 

Pre-orders for the Pixelbook Go are live now for those in the US and Canada. UK customers will have to wait till January. Pricing information is as follows:

• Core m3, FHD, 8 GB RAM, 64 GB SSD — US$649
• Core i5, FHD, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD — US$849
• Core i5, FHD, 16 GB RAM,128 GB SSD — US$999
• Core i7, UHD, 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD — US$1,399

If you prefer the simplicity and ease of use of ChromeOS, do most of your work online, and are already invested into the Google ecosystem, the Pixelbook Go can complement your workflow pretty well. The base price is reasonable, but the higher tiers seem to be fairly expensive for the specs on offer. We hope to review this device soon so, stay tuned. (Google Pixelbook on sale now at Amazon)