GigaOM reports that Google will begin shipping the 4G LTE version of its Chromebook Pixel by April 8… at least, that's what the current product page states.
Google's upcoming Chrome OS-themed laptop isn't quite the same type of money-saving device as other Chromebook releases: it's a premium product, costing $1,299 for the 32 GB Wi-Fi only model and $1,449 for the 64 GB 4G LTE model. The cheaper Wi-Fi model began shipping just weeks ago.
Outside the connectivity and storage options, the two Chromebook Pixel units are the same, sporting a 12.85-inch 400nit touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 2560 x 1700 resolution (239 PPI). Powering this device is an Intel Core i5 dual-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, an Intel HD Graphics 4000 GPU, 4 GB of RAM, dual-band Wireless N and Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity, and a battery promising up to 5 hours. Both have access to 1 TB of Google Drive cloud storage for three years.
For the 4G LTE model, its price tag also includes 100 MB of data each month for two years. Additional data will need to come through Verizon Wireless, which offers four plans that do not require the typical two-year ball-and-chain contract. These prices range from $10 per day to $50 per month, depending on the amount of data you need.
According to a Verizon rep, customers can opt for an unlimited day pass for $9.99, meaning for twenty-four hours, customers can gobble up as much 4G LTE data as possible. For those who would rather stretch their data out across the entire month, it's $20 for 1 GB, $35 for 3 GB and $50 for 5 GB. The typical smartphone user is between 1 GB and 3 GB.
Of course, Verizon Wireless customers may be able to simply add the Chromebook to their current data pool if they've signed up with the Family Share Plan. Or, if the user's Verizon-based 4G LTE smartphone features Internet sharing (hotspot), the Chromebook could merely leech from the data pool through the phone's connection.
Regardless, the 4G LTE model can be used on any Wi-Fi hotpsot, and adding a 4G LTE package from Verizon merely ensures connectivity no matter where the Chromebook Pixel goes. As previously stated, Google's premium flagship Chromebook with 4G LTE connectivity will start shipping on April 8, 2013.
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