These apps do not work on the Pixelbook (yet)

Some apps are not available for chrome nor Android and therefore are not running on a Pixelbook. I am listing them here. Please comment if you found a way to install them. I hope this list becomes not too long as I try to use the pixelbook as my primary computer. I will update it when I get stuck with an application or you contribute one in the comments.

• Bear text editor. Neat editor, but only works in the Apple universe. Even the Chrome app runs on MacOS only
• Zwift the awesome virtual cycling and running app is not supported on Pixelbooks. Only the Zwift companion app can be installed under Android (supportive app to control Zwift).
• ANT USB is not supported. So ANT+ compatible trainer devices cannot be used (which makes ZWIFT useless the 2nd time).

How the Pixelbook replaced my ipad, Macbook pro, and Chromebook

So far I owned an iPad (mini 2), Chromebook (Acer C720) and an old 17-inch MacBook Pro. All not new anymore and somehow cumbersome to have multiple devices. It was time to replace them with ONE device, and I have chosen a Google Pixelbook for it. The Pixelbook is a kind of chameleon. It is primary a Chromebook with ChromeOS but runs Android and Linux as well. The decision for it over an iPad pro was related to the fact that the iOS is not supporting pointing devices such as mouse or trackpad and that the iPad is not supporting extended desktop on external screens. I am a keyboard addict (therefore you can find a blackberry review on my blog), and I would have bought a keyboard in addition to an iPad. But even with an external keyboard, the iPad will be not a productive machine due to the missing mouse pad. So my requirement list for a new device was:

• Size 10-13inch
• Weight as low as possible
• Nice design 
• Mouse-pad is a must
• Apps should be cheap (so no Windows nor MacOS)
• Touch-screen and pen support
• External display with extended display should be possible
• Below 1000 USD including pen, keyboard
• External keyboard
• Apps I use should be compatible  (Evernote, rememberthemilk, tripit, magazine apps, gdrive, MS Office, Chrome, video,  Zwift, ...)
• Battery life >5h

Only the pixelbook was fulfilling my requirements with one exception: Zwift is not available for Android. The iPad disqualifies due to the missing mousepad and missing extended screen support, the Macbooks by the missing touchscreen, Windows devices by point number 3 and 5 (but the Microsoft surface laptop was in the short list).
It is the real productive device if you know how to use Android and ChromeOS.
The Pixel Slate was not available yet and more expensive considering the additional keyboard.

Google Pixelbook the best design notebook on the market

You got sick of boring notebooks in cheap plastic housing? You want a touch-screen and want to use a pen? You do not want to spend a fortune on professional software and use only a fraction of the features? You want to use a modern, easy to use an operating system?

 

Then you should check out the Pixebook. It is a great device. Just feel it and you will never give it away. I had the chance to get one myself. Above you see how the design compares to the Macbook Air 11 inch and the picture below shows how amazingly flat it is (against the Macbook Pro Air 11). Read the story how the Pixelbook was designed.