Photo: Frmorrison via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Google stopped making Pixelbooks years ago, but both the Pixelbook and the Pixelbook Go still get ChromeOS updates. Here is how long they have left, and whether a used one is a good buy.
At a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|
| Pixelbook released | October 2017, from $999 |
| Pixelbook Go released | October 2019, from $649 |
| Pixelbook updates end | August 2027 |
| Pixelbook Go updates end | August 2029 |
| Pixelbook Go size | 311 x 206 x 13.4 mm (12.2 x 8.1 x 0.5 in) |
| Pixelbook Go weight | About 1.06 kg (2.3 lb) |
| Pixelbook size | 290.4 x 220.8 x 10.3 mm |
| Pixelbook weight | About 1.1 kg (2.4 lb) |
The short answer
The Pixelbook Go is still worth it in 2026 if you get it cheap. Google lists its automatic updates until August 2029, so it has years of security updates left. For web browsing, email, Google Docs and YouTube, it still works well.
The original Pixelbook is harder to recommend. Its updates end in August 2027, so buy one only if it is very cheap and you are fine replacing it next year.
Pixelbook Go specs and dimensions
The Pixelbook Go is a normal clamshell laptop with a 13.3-inch touchscreen. Most units have a 1920 x 1080 screen. A rare version has a 4K screen, but it uses more battery.
It measures about 311 x 206 x 13.4 mm, or 12.2 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches, and weighs about 1.06 kg. It is light and slim, and the ribbed bottom makes it easy to grip.
Inside, you get an Intel Core m3, i5 or i7 chip, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and 64GB to 256GB of storage. Ports are simple: two USB-C ports, both used for charging, and a headphone jack.
The keyboard is the star. Google called them Hush Keys, and they are quiet, soft and very comfortable. Many owners say it is the best keyboard they have used on a Chromebook.
Original Pixelbook specs
The 2017 Pixelbook is a 2-in-1 with a 12.3-inch 2400 x 1600 screen that folds back into a tablet. It has an Intel Core i5 or i7, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of storage. It is thinner than the Go at 10.3 mm, and it worked with the Pixelbook Pen, which was sold separately.
It still looks great, with its aluminium body and white glass panel. But its chip is older, and its battery life was already shorter than the Go’s when new.
What still works well
ChromeOS runs well on both, especially on models with 8GB of RAM. Chrome with a normal number of tabs, Google Docs, Gmail, Netflix and video calls all run smoothly.
You can install Android apps from the Play Store, and there is a built-in Linux option for simple coding and tools.
Updates matter a lot on a Chromebook. As long as it gets them, it stays secure and Chrome stays current. After the end date, websites and apps will slowly stop working properly.
What does not hold up
The batteries are now old. A Pixelbook Go was rated for up to 12 hours when new. Expect much less on a 6 or 7 year old unit. Open the Diagnostics app in ChromeOS to check battery health before you buy.
The m3 models with 8GB are fine for light use, but they slow down with lots of tabs. Get an i5 if you can.
The newest ChromeOS AI features are aimed at Chromebook Plus laptops with newer hardware. The Pixelbooks will keep getting updates, but not every new feature.
Google cancelled the next Pixelbook and has not made a laptop since. There are no official repairs or new parts, so a broken screen or keyboard is hard to fix.
How much should you pay?
Compare it with a new Chromebook Plus laptop. Those start at low prices, have newer chips, more storage, full length support and fresh batteries.
A used Pixelbook Go makes sense only if it is clearly cheaper than a new Chromebook Plus, has a healthy battery, and you love its keyboard and build. An original Pixelbook should be even cheaper, since its updates end in 2027.
Who it’s for
Buy it if you find a Pixelbook Go with an i5, 8GB of RAM and a healthy battery for much less than a new Chromebook Plus.
Skip it if it is an original Pixelbook at anything but a very low price, or you want the newest ChromeOS AI features.
Alternatives worth a look
- A new Chromebook Plus laptop, newer hardware, full support period, new battery.
- MacBook Air M1 (used), a great used laptop at a similar price if you are open to macOS.
The verdict: The Pixelbook Go is still a lovely Chromebook with updates until 2029. Buy it cheap. Skip the original Pixelbook unless it is almost free.
