Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


Dell Launches K-12 Netbook, E-Reader Software


The Latitude 2120 will be pre-loaded with Dell's Blio eReader software.

Dell last week launched a slew of new technologies focused on education, including a new ruggedized netbook, an Android-based tablet, and e-reader software designed to improve the reading experience for students who use books in electronic format.

The new Latitude 2120 netbook has been specially designed for student use with a waterproof rubberized outer casing for easy grip and increased protection against damage. Additional features include:

  • Available touch screen functionality using an optional high-definition screen;
  • Network activity light, which teachers can use to identify and monitor which students are using the Internet;
  • Durable, tamper-resistant keyboard with optional anti-microbial protection to prevent the spread of germs through computer use; and
  • Systems management support that allows IT staff to push updates overnight via a central console.

The company also announced that it will also soon begin pre-installing Blio eReader software on the Latitude 2120. Blio, which launched originally back in September, is designed to offer an e-reading experience on Windows that mimics that of an actual printed book far more closely than similar software for handheld e-readers such as Kindle. Integral in providing this experience are full-color graphics, a critical feature when reading illustrated children's books, and 3D animation to simulate holding an actual book and turning paper pages.

Additional features of the Blio software include:

  • Fonts, pictures, and layout identical to those of each respective printed book;
  • Multiple reading views, including text-only, single- and dual-page views, and 3D "book view";
  • Text-to-voice, giving the option of having device "read" the book to the user, highlighting each word as it reads;
  • Built-in browser gives option to look up words, phrases, and topics from text; and
  • Support for inserting text, images, and hyperlinks directly into content and exporting later to other devices.

Finally, Dell announced that its new Streak 7 tablet computer, launched earlier in the month at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, would be coming soon to the United States and UK. The Android OS-based tablet will feature a 7-inch multi-touch display; a 1.3 megapixel front-facing video camera for live chat; 16 GB of internal storage; and built-in WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth technology.

About the Author

Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • Students using laptops in classroom

    Stop Asking Whether Students Can Use AI

    As generative AI has become embedded in the tools students use to search, write, create, translate, organize, and receive feedback, the boundary between "using AI" and "not using AI" has become increasingly difficult to define. More importantly, treating AI use as a binary choice does little to help students understand the different roles AI can appropriately play in learning.

  • abstract malware attack

    Security Researchers Find AI Ransomware Can Now Run Much of an Attack Without Human Help

    Ransomware attacks are becoming more automated, and AI could take that much further, according to cybersecurity company NCC Group's July 2026 threat intelligence report.

  • abstract spiral of multi colored lights

    OpenAI's New Astra Model Reaches Critical Cyber Threshold

    OpenAI has introduced GPT-6 Astra, its most capable broadly deployed model and the first system the company says has reached the "Critical" cybersecurity capability threshold under its Preparedness Framework.

  • Blurred silhouettes of business people in a modern office with a glowing blue network overlay

    Open Secure AI Alliance Moving Under Linux Foundation

    Governance of the Open Secure AI Alliance has moved to the Linux Foundation, giving the initiative what the organizations describe as a neutral home for developing open source tools, shared standards and defensive practices. The Alliance was launched by NVIDIA in July to develop open security technologies for AI systems and agents.