Skip to main content

Take that, Chrome OS! Chromebook Pixel runs Ubuntu and Linux Mint

chromebook_pixel_dt
Google

Check out our Google Chromebook Pixel review. 

It’s not easy to shell out $1,450 for a laptop that runs a Web-dependent operating system, especially when it has much, much cheaper counterparts. Why spend that much money on the Chromebook Pixel when you can get an Acer C7 for $200, a Samsung Series 3 for $250, or an HP Pavilion Chromebook for $330? The Chromebook Pixel does have great hardware replete with a display that can rival Apple’s Retina screen  – and it does come with an amusing Konami easter egg – but the limitations brought about by Chrome OS might still deter most people from getting the device. Still, if it entices you enough that you actually want to get it, know that you can at least install Ubuntu or Linux Mint on it thanks to an extra BIOS slot.

Recommended Videos

One of Google’s Chrome OS software engineers, Bill Richardson, posted a photo of the Pixel running Linux Mint on Google Plus. Along with the photo, he also included step-by-step instructions on how to install the operating system. To do so, you need to enter developer mode on the Chromebook by holding Esc + Refresh and pressing the power button. On developer mode, you can boot a copy of Linux Mint or Ubuntu from an SD card or a USB stick.

Geek.com warns that if you choose to use the Chromebook with an OS you install, you will be stuck using developer mode, which usually means waiting for the laptop to boot up for around 30 seconds every time. That’s not too bad if you want to use anything other than Chrome OS; but, then again, you can always get a cheaper laptop to run whatever OS you want – or for the Pixel’s price point, even a MacBook Pro. 

Mariella Moon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mariella loves working on both helpful and awe-inspiring science and technology stories. When she's not at her desk writing…
Chrome OS was born 10 years ago. Here are the highlights in its rise to power
HP Elite C1030 Chromebook

Ten years ago to this date, the computing world was forever changed. But it wasn’t because of something that was done by Apple or Microsoft. Rather, it was Google.

On June 15, 2011, the first public version of Chrome OS was released. It was initially foreign to a lot of technology journalists, but it ended up ushering in a new type of operating system that is now entrenched in schools, businesses, and even your home.

Read more
How to run ChromeOS in VirtualBox
pwn2own 2016 chrome most secure os virtualbox running

Want to try ChromeOS in VirtualBox? Whether you're considering buying a Chromebook and want to get a feel for the operating system, or you're just curious about ChromeOS, a virtual machine is a great way to try Google's browser-first OS.

Unfortunately, Google does not offer downloads of ChromeOS -- at least, not in a form that's easy to use with a virtual machine. The popular ChromeOS builds once offered by Hexxah seem to have disappeared, too. Even Neverware's CloudReady version has limitations.

Read more
Best Chromebook keyboard shortcuts to master Chrome OS
A red Samsung Galaxy Chromebook opened on a table.

Since Chrome OS was released in 2011, it has grown to become a formidable operating system, giving users access to a full desktop-class web browsing experience, as well as a continuously-growing collection of Android apps from the Google Play Store. Whether you’ve just picked up a Chromebook or have had one for a while, we’ll show you some of the best Chromebook keyboard shortcuts to master your experience.

If you're having issues with your Chromebook, be sure to check out our guide on the most common Chromebook problems and how to fix them easily.
The Everything button

Read more