The Chromebooks we usually see around these parts can be summed up in two words: competent and cheap. This nicely sums up our reviews of both Samsung's $249 ARM Chromebook and Acer's $199 C7. Google's recently announced Chromebook Pixel goes against that grain: it's a high-quality machine with a gorgeous 2560×1700 display, but you'll pay a hefty $1,299 (or $1,449, for the LTE version) for the privilege of owning one.

Our full review of the computer—and, with it, our continuing thoughts on whether this machine makes any sense—is in the works, but in the meantime we took the Pixel out of its box to give it a good once-over.