Lenovo Intros Ruggedized Chromebooks, Ultrabooks for Schools

Lenovo has unveiled two new Chromebooks and two new Windows-based laptops for schools.

The new devices, unveiled today at the FETC 2014 conference, taking place in Orlando, FL through Friday, include the Google Chrome OS-based ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook and ThinkPad 11e Chromebook and the Windows based ThinkPad Yoga 11e and ThinkPad 11e.

All four of the new models are ruggedized for classroom use. They include two traditional clamshell designs — the ThinkPad 11e and ThinkPad 11e Chromebook — and two convertible ultrabook designs — the ThinkPad Yoga 11e and ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook, which can be configured as laptops or tablets or positioned in "stand" and "tent" configurations.

The Chromebooks are based on Google's Chrome OS operating system and will come in graphite or silver. The ThinkPad Yoga 11e and ThinkPad 11e are Microsoft Windows-based devices that come pre-loaded with Intel Education Software, which includes:

  • Kno Textbooks;
  • SPARKvue (data analysis for science and math);
  • Intel Education Lab Camera by Intellisense (six software tools for measuring data captured by the camera);
  • ArtRage (drawing and painting);
  • eLearning by Mythware (productivity and collaboration);
  • Foxit Mobile PDF;
  • McAfee Mobile Security; and
  • Various educational materials.

"We have a proven track record of designing laptops and tablets built to last in education environments. With the new ThinkPad 11e devices, we're raising the bar with new form factors," said Jerry Paradise, executive director of product marketing, ThinkPad Product Group, Lenovo, in a prepared statement. "I'm very excited that Lenovo is able to offer a device that's not only rugged enough for the classroom but also flexible enough to adapt to the many ways technology can be incorporated into the overall learning experience."

All of the devices are expected to ship this spring from Lenovo education channel partners and through lenovo.com. The Windows-based machines will start at $449. The Chromebooks will start at $349.

Lenovo is exhibiting in booth 621 in the FETC exhibit hall.

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/ .


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