Google Pixelbook (12.3-Inch, 2017)

Thin and light design ; Great performance ; Excellent battery life ; Chrome OS has come on leaps and bounds

So-so speakers ; Web apps versus Android apps is confusing ; Stylus only works well with small selection of apps

Look out MacOS and Windows, Chrome OS finally feels legit.

Sublime design Full Android app support Awesome keyboard Excellent stylus support

Pen sold separately Poor audio performance No biometric login

The Google Pixelbook is the first Chromebook worthy of consideration alongside the most high-end Windows and Mac devices. From its stunning design to its stupendous software enhancements, this is the best Chromebook to date, bar none.

Chrome OS so much better than before ; Pixelbook Pen costs extra ; The design is fabulous

Low power processor ; A MacBook Air or Macbook may be a better option?

Gorgeous design and comfortable in use thanks to silicone pad ; Baked in Google Assistant is a fun feature ; Decent battery life and fast charging ; High-res screen and 360-degree hinge for versatility

Android/Chrome apps can be confusing ; Lacks pro-spec apps as per Windows/MacOS ; Big bezels for a modern device ; Spec largely excessive for a Chromebook (at present) ; It's hugely expensive

Starting at £999, it's hard to recommend the Pixelbook.

Gorgeous screen ; Excellent build & flexibility ; Keyboard is great to type on

ChromeOS still fairly limited ; As expensive as a full-blown laptop ; Few pro-level art apps defeats the point of the Pen

It’s tough to see who would want an ultra-high end ChromeOS convertible – however well built or equipped the Pixelbook might be

The Google Pixelbook has a sleek convertible design. Its sharp touchscreen is bright and colorful. Performance is fast, lag-free and smooth. The dedicated Google Assistant button is useful.

It’s expensive. The stylus is sold separately. It has the same built-in limitations as other Chrome OS systems.

The Pixelbook has high-end hardware and a great hybrid design, but it’s still hard to justify spending so much on a Chrome OS laptop.

Beautiful design ; Fast charging ; Runs Android apps

ChromeOS not yet suited to every task

Without a doubt, the Pixelbook is the best Chromebook yet. It nails the look and feel of an upmarket, aspirational laptop and support for the Play Store opens up a whole new world of potential for the platform.

A big thank you to Google for sending us the Pixelbook to review.