The Chromebook Pixel is real: 12.85-inch Retina touch display, $1,299 for Wi-Fi, $1,449 for LTE — starts shipping next week

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=j-XTpdDDXiU

The rumors were true: Google just announced the Chromebook Pixel. It’s a 12.85-inch touchscreen Chromebook with a 2,560-by-1,700 display that packs in “the highest pixel density (239 pixels per inch) of any laptop screen on the market today.” After a video of a touch-enabled Chrome Pixel went viral last month, the Wall Street Journal followed up with a report last night that claimed Google was working on bringing touch to Chromebooks.

The 3.35 lbs. Chromebook Pixel includes a 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 4G of RAM, two USB ports, mini display port, 2-in-1 card reader, and a 32GB SSD. Google quoted up to 5 hours of active use for battery life. Of course, the main attraction is the display:

SCREEN
-12.85″ display with a 3:2 aspect ratio
-2560 x 1700, at 239 PPI
-400 nit screen
-178° extra-wide viewing angle

The Pixel has been engineered with the highest quality components to ensure it’s comfortable to use all day long and meets the needs of demanding power users. The body of the Pixel is made from an anodized aluminum alloy to create a smooth and durable surface; vents are hidden, screws are invisible and the stereo speakers are seamlessly tucked away beneath the backlit keyboard. The touchpad is made from etched glass, analyzed and honed using a laser microscope to ensure precise navigation. The Pixel also has powerful, full-range speakers for crisp sound, a 720p webcam for clear video, and a total of three microphones designed to cancel out surrounding noise.

Google said the Chromebook Pixel will be available to purchase starting today in the U.S. and U.K. from Google Play and soon through BestBuy’s online store. Google will sell a Wi-Fi only version for $1,299 U.S. and £1,049 U.K and a LTE model that will ship in April for $1,449. However, factoring in the free 1TB Google Drive cloud storage that Google is offering (for 3 years), the price comes down significantly for those who will want take advantage. Google normally charges $50 a month—or $600 a year—for 1TB.