Dell Launches Netbook Aimed at K-12 Students

##AUTHORSPLIT###- -->

Dell this week introduced a new 10.1-inch netbook tailored specifically for K-12 students, the Dell Latitude 2100.

The 2.91-pound, Intel Atom N270-powered Latitude 2100 provides a ruggedized/rubberized enclosure, a network activity light to help teachers monitor the use of the machines, and a suite of administrator tools to help with management.

Some of the new unit's major features and options include:

  • An optional touchscreen;
  • 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet (in addition to wireless options);
  • A choice of operating systems, including XP Home, Vista Home Basic, and the Linux-based Ubuntu operating system;
  • Traditional or solid state drives;
  • A choice of three- or six-cell battery;
  • Media card reader;
  • Optional Webcam and antimicrobial coating on the keyboard; and
  • An optional USB-based DVD±RW drive.

The units also offer remote management capabilities, Dell ImageDirect with "pre-installed software and the school's specific network image," and factory hardware customization.

"By partnering with Dell we've seen first-hand how technology access can transform the learning environment and impact student achievement," said Michael Taylor, director of technology at Avon Community Schools in Indiana, in a statement released to coincide with Dell's announcement. "The ability to connect students, teachers, parents, and administrators is critical to learning in the digital age and the Latitude 2100 is designed specifically to meet these needs."

The Dell Latitude 2100 is available now in five colors--School Bus Gold, Chalkboard Black, Ball Field Green, Blue Ribbon, and Schoolhouse Red--for $369. In addition, the Latitude 2100 will also be available with a Mobile Computing Station designed to store, manage, and network up to 24 netbooks using a single Ethernet cable and power cord.

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

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • laptop displaying a glowing digital brain and data charts sits on a metal shelf in a well-lit server room with organized network cables and active servers

    Cisco Unveils AI-First Approach to IT Operations

    At its recent Cisco Live 2025 event, Cisco introduced AgenticOps, a transformative approach to IT operations that integrates advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and collaboration across network, security, and application domains.

  • educators seated at a table with a laptop and tablet, against a backdrop of muted geometric shapes

    HMH Forms Educator Council to Inform AI Tool Development

    Adaptive learning company HMH has established an AI Educator Council that brings together teachers, instructional coaches and leaders from school district across the country to help shape its AI solutions.