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.