Google Pushes Linux Support For Chromebook Pixel

It was just earlier today that Google announced the Chromebook Pixel, a much-speculated device with a very high resolution display and high-end hardware running their Chrome OS operating system. Google has already begun pushing Linux kernel patches enabling support for this expensive Google notebook.

The Google Chromebook features a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (Dual-Core) CPU, a 12-inch display with a stunning 2560 x 1770 resolution (239 PPI), 4GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of solid-state storage, and an LTE connectivity option. This Chromebook though is much more expensive than the other cloud-focused computers on the market right now with the starting price being $1299 USD for the Pixel or $1499 for the upgraded storage and LTE.

The display is certainly fantastic and it's some very nice hardware. However, the price for the Chrome OS laptop is likely a setback for many potential customers. Fortunately, Google has already begun submitting Linux kernel patches for this notebook, giving hope that it will be possible to load your favorite Linux distribution on the x86 hardware.

Just hours after the Chromebook Pixel announcement was made, the first set of patches were published to the kernel mailing list by Google's Benson Leung. These kernel patches support the ISL light sensor, Atmel MXT Touchpad, and Atmel MXT Touchscreen as found on the Chromebook Pixel.

Hopefully more Chromebook Pixel patches will surface soon for supporting any other new devices found on this first Google touchscreen-enabled laptop running Chrome OS, including Coreboot support. The laptop should begin shipping in April.

For more details on the Chromebook Pixel, see this Google blog post and the video that's embedded below.