Dell Launches Netbook Aimed at K-12 Students

• By David Nagel
• 05/19/09

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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.