Lenovo Launches K-8 Netbook

Lenovo has introduced a new netbook that's targeted toward younger students, the Classmate+. The new model is built around Intel's Learning Series reference design and comes equipped with an educational software suite.

The Classmate+ includes an Intel Atom processor; a 10.1-inch, 1,024 x 600 LED-backlit screen; Ethernet; wireless communications (802.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHz); built-in 1.3 megapixel camera; quad-format card reader; mic and speaker; and up to 250 GB in internal storage, plus solid state storage options. It's also been ruggedized for use by younger students and includes a water-resistant keyboard.

For software, the Classmate+ will include the Intel Learning Series suite, a collection of educational software tools and teacher resources. It will run Microsoft WIndows 7.

The Lenovo Classmate+ is available now worldwide through education resellers. Lenovo had not yet posted any additional information about the new Classmate+ on its site at the time of this writing, but further information should be available on Lenovo's education portal here when details are posted.

In related news, Intel and Lenovo today reported that 158,000 of the Classmate+ netbooks are being rolled out in Argentina to be distributed to children there. The Organization of Ibero-American States is distributing them to students as part of its "Conectar Igualdad" 1:1 program. To date, some 3 million netbooks and convertible tablets based on Intel's reference design have been sold around the world.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • stylized illustration of an elementary school classroom under construction

    4 Educators Win Classroom Makeovers in KI Giveaway

    Furniture manufacturer KI has announced the results of its third annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway.

  • person signing a bill at a desk with a faint glow around the document. A tablet and laptop are subtly visible in the background, with soft colors and minimal digital elements

    California Governor Signs Off on AI Content Safeguard Laws

    California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed a series of landmark artificial intelligence bills into law, signaling the state’s latest efforts to regulate the burgeoning technology, particularly in response to the misuse of sexually explicit deepfakes. The legislation is aimed at mitigating the risks posed by AI-generated content, as concerns grow over the technology's potential to manipulate images, videos, and voices in ways that could cause significant harm.

  • glowing digital padlock at the center, surrounded by interlocking circuit-like patterns that form the shape of a school building

    FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Update: Administrative Window Opens Aug. 26

    The Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) has just released information on how to begin making administrative updates to prepare the user permissions necessary for the Federal Communications Commission Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.

  • close-up illustration of a hand signing a legislative document

    California Passes AI Safety Bill, Awaits Governor's Signature

    California lawmakers have approved a bill that would impose new restrictions on AI technologies, potentially setting a national precedent for regulating the rapidly evolving field. The legislation, known as S.B. 1047, now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. He has until the end of September to decide whether to sign it into law.